Two days after the horrific deaths of Giana and Aaminah Vicosa the community continues to grieve the two lives cut way too short.
During trying times, it can be hard for people to process such a tragedy happening so close to home.
Mark Sigmund, a therapist with Retreat Behavioral Health says seeing stories like this on the news and on social media is traumatic. While it is our job at CBS 21 News to report on these tragedies we know seeing and hearing about these things happening in our community can be overwhelming.
“They can get traumatized just from watching the news,” Sigmund said. “There is this sense of what we call vicarious trauma so even if the kids aren’t directly involved with the trauma, they can get traumatized.”
He says seeing tragedy like this happening close to home can cause fear.
“Other parents are thinking ‘is this going to happen to us?’ And it’s very hard as humans to separate that,” he said.
Sigmund says coming together as a community is the best way to cope.
“It’s so important for the community to band together on this to support each other,” Sigmund said. “Talk to your neighbors about it. (Ask) ‘How are you feeling about this with your kids?’”
Sigmund recommends seeking professional help from a trauma specialist if this is really impacting your family, but first he says it’s important to open up a discussion.
“How are they feeling about what happened? Are they scared? Really being honest with them about the situation because you don’t want them feeling isolated and traumatized,” he said.
Therapists have seen a big increase in the amount of people seeking mental health help from the pandemic, so if you are seeking professional help it might take some time.
“There’s such a need for it and there’s not enough clinicians to go around,” he said.
Sigmund’s advice is to call around. Get on a waiting list.
“Sometimes you can look at telehealth options,” he said. “Because you will be able to get help but I see parents get discouraged.”
If you need immediate help, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
is a 24 hour mental health hotline number there on your screen. That number will connect you to support... Education and give you some help finding treatment options in the area.