The past few years have been difficult for the city of Philadelphia and its citizens. Not only have Philadelphians had to prioritize safety in the face of COVID-19, but they have also been surrounded by increased gun violence. In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of 486 homicides also firing 1,846 non-fatal shots. Although the numbers are down slightly from 2021, the city — following a mass shooting in South Philadelphia — is still experiencing a crisis. increase in shootings over the last two years
Gun violence is a major concern not only in Philadelphia, but also nationally. And it’s no surprise that gun violence can have an impact lasting effect on mental health families and loved ones of the victims. But it can also have a negative impact on the mental health of those who are not directly affected by it. With the scourge of gun violence which recently affected Philadelphia, it is important to understand the effects that all its residents can have.
The effects of gun violence on mental health
According to the clinical psychologist Léa Blain, Ph.D.Exposure to trauma, including gun violence, increases the risk of negative health outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause and exacerbate a wide range of physical health problems, such as high blood pressure, pain, and even gastrointestinal problems.
Blain, who is the director of the clinic at Penn Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Psychiatry — which provides free mental health care to veterans and their families — explains that if a person already suffers from PTSD, the surrounding gun violence can trigger symptoms such as hypervigilance, nightmares and memories of trauma unwanted.
Additionally, gun violence in surrounding areas may worry community members. This worry can lead them to radically change their daily lifestyle. For example, some may be reluctant to stand at a local bus stop for long periods of time or refrain from going out into the community as much as possible. “This can reduce both healthy physical activity and diminish community connections and support.” The loss of social support is a crucial problem since perceived social support is the number one predictor recovery from trauma,” shares Blain.
Managing mental health after gun violence
If you know someone who is directly affected by gun violence, “social support is essential,” according to Blain. Showing your concern and support can make all the difference in a person’s recovery. Small actions like sending a text, asking if they want company, or buying them a meal can make a huge difference.
An increased sense of risk is common after high-profile violent events occur locally. But it’s important to keep an eye on your thoughts, Blain said. When we feel that danger is near, we tend to overestimate the real risk. Blain recommends asking yourself, “How likely is it that I’ll get hurt going there?” or “What would someone whose judgment I trust about this situation think?” to get an idea of the real level of risk.
Overall, it is normal to experience emotional and physical reactions following a traumatic event. Blain explains that “these reactions may include fear, anger, guilt, or a feeling of “vigilance” or nervousness, distressing memories, and an attempt to avoid reminders of the trauma. It is important to note that most people who experience a traumatic event such as gun violence will not develop PTSD. “These reactions immediately after trauma do not indicate PTSD, and for most people, these symptoms will gradually diminish over time.”
However, if several weeks or months have passed since the traumatic event and a person still experiences these symptoms, such as increased reactions, anxiety, depressed mood, or unwanted memories of the trauma, it may be -be time to consider seeking professional support to help with the recovery process. If prolonged symptoms interfere with relationships or daily life, and especially if the person has symptoms of depression (such as not enjoying things they usually enjoy, low mood, feeling bad about themselves, etc.) or suicidal tendencies, mental health treatment can make a big difference, Blain emphasized.
Other signs that it may be time to reach out include feeling angry or irritable, increased conflict at home, problems sleeping, difficulty concentrating, avoiding thinking to the traumatic event and significant distress when thoughts about the trauma arise.
PTSD is treatable, as are any feelings of depression or increased anxiety. Treatment for PTSD, which Blain says should include trauma-focused psychotherapy or talk therapy, can be completed in as little as eight to 12 weeks, and treatment options have been supported by decades of research. studies.
“The most important thing to know about PTSD is that it is treatable,” says Blain. “While we can’t undo traumatic events, we can help people recover from trauma so they can get their lives back on track and feel like themselves again. »
