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.