People in the Erie community may still be reeling from Friday evening’s events, searching for answers and trying to process what happened.
Mental health professionals at the Crime Victim Center said feelings of shock, confusion and disbelief are normal responses following a traumatic event.
They say people may need time to process what they experienced, which could lead to feelings of grief as they come to terms with what happened.
Professionals also stressed the importance of connecting with others during times of uncertainty while setting boundaries when it comes to consuming news and scrolling through social media.
Amy Blackburn, the Executive Director of the Crime Victim Center, said traumatic events can affect people in different ways, especially those reminded of difficult experiences in their own lives.
“Anytime trauma happens in the community, people may be triggered by it because we all are human. We all have experiences of things that happened to us. It’s normal, it’s okay to recognize that and not just push it back. And if you are feeling triggered, it’s okay to reach out for help,” Blackburn said.
Blackburn said the Crime Victim Center offers several resources for people who may be struggling in the aftermath of the shooting.
The center’s 24-hour hotline is available at 814-455-9414 for anyone seeking support.