FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — With clips of Alex Pretti’s killing playing out across social media, Americans are practically forced to face their feelings over the shooting itself and the nation’s deep political divide.
“To feel strongly, to have strong emotions, to feel dysregulated when there is a situation that calls for that, is absolutely normal,” therapist Coraline Robinson at Balance Treatment Center told Action News.
Robinson says the first step is to acknowledge those feelings.
“Noticing you’re not breathing well. Noticing you’re hot. Noticing you’re cold,” she said. “Taking care of your physical reaction to slow down your nervous system. Going outside, taking a few deep breaths.”
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Robinson says people should lean on each other and turn to friends.
“When we avoid things or distract, it does not resolve our difficult feelings, our anxiety, our depression,” Robinson said. “What resolves it is to acknowledge it and talk about it, so leaders can do that. Leaders can start the conversation.”
Now, as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer heads to the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., the group — made up of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents — has shared a unified message.
“We urge federal law enforcement leaders to insist upon calm, professionalism, and de-escalation from their officers at all times,” it read. “We call on all residents exercising their First Amendment rights to pursue legal and non-violent protest.”
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto echoed those calls for calm late Sunday at a prayer event downtown.
“…That people will make good decisions and listen and not just rush to judgment [emotionally],” she told Action News.
Chief Casto also took to Facebook to clarify the different types of tactical vests her officers may wear, sometimes using unmarked vehicles.
Local law enforcement leaders have acknowledged their personnel are sometimes mistaken for federal authorities amid online reports of ICE sightings and a confirmed operation in Clovis last week.
“I wish people could step back and look at things more nuanced. It’s difficult on both sides of that issue,” Casto said on Sunday. “I’m just thankful in Fresno we haven’t had those large-scale violent events.”
Robinson said there are ways to come together regardless of opinions.
“If you go into it and go straight to politics, you’re much (more) likely to get into an argument and be triggered,” Robinson said. “So talk about your feelings. Talk about how it impacts you.”
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