The Trauma of the Tops Shooting has a Long-Lasting Impact on Our Community’s Mental Health

[Buffalo, New York] – As a community, we were devastated by the Tops shooting incident that took place one year ago on May 14, 2022 here in Buffalo. Ten of our neighbors were killed and three others were injured in a racially motivated mass shooting at the Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue. Many in our community are still experiencing trauma in the aftermath of that day.

“Trauma can have significant and long-lasting effects on a community’s mental health. When a community experiences a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, mass shooting, or terrorist attack, individuals within the community can be directly or indirectly affected”, says Dr. Wendy Weinstein, psychiatrist and Adult Unit Chief at BryLin Hospital.

Directly affected individuals, such as victims or witnesses of the traumatic event, may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They may also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems.

Dr. Weinstein notes that indirectly affected individuals may also experience symptoms of PTSD and other mental health conditions. “Family members, friends, and community members may also experience a sense of helplessness, fear, and loss of trust in their community.”

In the aftermath of a traumatic event like this, it’s important for the community to come together and support one another. This can help individuals feel less alone and more connected, which can be essential for healing and recovery.

It’s also important for communities to have access to resources and support in the aftermath of a traumatic event. This can include mental health services, community support groups, and outreach programs. “When we address the mental health effects of trauma on a community, individuals can begin to heal and recover, and the community can work towards rebuilding.”

About BryLin Hospital: BryLin Hospital is a leading mental health care provider that has been committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to its patients throughout Western New York for nearly 68 years. BryLin Hospital is a provider of short-term psychiatric hospitalization for children, adolescents and adults in crisis. On the fourth floor of the Hospital is their newly designated Center of Excellence in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) program where both inpatient and outpatient ECT is provided. ECT is widely considered the most effective and rapidly acting, FDA approved, treatment for severe depression.

For more information about BryLin Hospital and its services, please visit www.brylin.com