Trauma: Following another mass shooting, Borderland experts offering support for residents with stress

El PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Trauma comes in many forms and many shapes. It can affect anyone -- not just those physically present at the scene of an incident. With another mass shooting, it's possible some Borderland residents may experience heightened stress or emotions.

Multiple people were injured or killed in mass shooting at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday night, Gov. Janet Mills said. Authorities have identified the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card, is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserves.

The American Psychological Association has put out a number of statements and studies about the impact of national or international events on people across the globe. They've raised concerns about how traumatic events anywhere can impact anyone.

The El Paso United Family Resiliency Center offers a number of support options. It was formed in the wake of the August 3rd shooting, to provide support for everyone in the community effected by the tragedy.

Members tell me that anyone feeling heightened emotions by these two events can reach out to the center.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?

There are a number of options for mental health support that are available 24/7.

• 988: The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Anyone can contact the Crisis line through phone, text or message any time, for any mental distress.
• EHN Crisis Hotline: (915-779-1800) - Staffed by locals, and a constant resource in El Paso, Emergence Health Network's hotline has specialists ready to hear you out.
• Emergence Health Network.org - EHN is able to offer many different forms of support for mental health and wellness. From pet therapy to addiction treatment.
• NAMI El Paso - As part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are some options listed on their website for support and connection. NAMI is focused on providing support to anyone with any sort of mental illness.

Avery Martinez covers mental health in the Borderland as part of ABC-7’s Be Mindful initiative. He is also a Report for America corps member. RFA places talented, emerging journalists in newsrooms like ABC-7’s to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to rebuilding journalism from the ground up.