BUFFALO, N.Y. — Crisis Services counselors say they have seen an increase in calls since the televised sentencing of the white teenager who killed 10 Black people and injured three others at a supermarket in East Buffalo last May.
For some, this was the first time they saw his face or heard him speak. This was also where families shared their pain and grief, which can be difficult to witness.
Mental health workers say if you are feeling overwhelmed, easily agitated or having trouble sleeping, it might be time to call for help.
“You have folks who are anxious, anticipating this and they are definitely retriggered, and then they’re thinking, ‘man, we have to reopen this wound again from even seeing him in the news again,'” said Rachel Morrison from Crisis Services.
Counselors recommend anyone feeling this way keep their loved ones close. A sense of community can help in hard times. Stay busy with the things you enjoy and try to limit the amount of time spent checking up on and following the case.
Anyone in need of help can call or text 988.