NJAMHAA Statement on the Orlando Tragedy

From Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer,
New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. joins the nation in feeling deep sympathy for the victims and survivors of the tragic shooting that occurred in Orlando, FL, earlier this week. Always we must remember that a crime against any individual or group is a crime against us all because we are all part of the same human race.

Traumatic incidents impact both those who were directly involved and others who either know people directly affected, or read or hear about the situation. The violent nature of the tragedy can cause people, whether close to or physically distant from the incident, to feel unsafe, especially when they are exposed to repeated images of the incident on television, newspapers and social media.

Self-care is especially important to foster coping during such difficult times. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies recommends getting enough rest; eating and drinking healthfully; monitoring alcohol and tobacco use; exercising; sharing feelings with trusted friends or expressing them in writing; and having quiet time (e.g., meditating, praying, listening to music).

If you or someone you care about is having difficulty coping, a mental health professional should be contacted. Whether an individual is struggling with mild depression or anxiety, or experiencing a crisis, there are services available and proven effective to help work through these difficulties and either prevent or manage mental illnesses. Early identification and treatment of mental health disorders are essential.

Stigma is the most common reason why many people do not seek help and the reticence may be even more likely among individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) due to the discrimination they often face due to their gender identities. It is critical for everyone who needs help to receive it as soon as possible because delayed or lack of treatment can lead to the development of serious mental illnesses and risk of suicide. In fact, the risk of suicide is particularly high among trans and gender non-conforming individuals: 41 percent of this population has attempted suicide, compared to between 10 and 20 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals and 4.6 percent of the overall U.S. population, according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Williams Institute (published in January 2014).

Unimpeded access to treatment is critical. New Jersey and the nation must invest sufficiently in community-based mental health and substance use services for the well-being of people of all ages, so when there are crises of major impact or everyday needs, people have ready access to services.


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