Finding Strength and Connection amid Tragedy

This past weekend, we witnessed a series of heartbreaking events, with lives lost in Sydney, Australia; Providence, Rhode Island; and Los Angeles. It's natural to feel heartbroken, anxious, or even angry when faced with such tragedy. Whatever you feel – fear, grief, anger, numbness – is valid, and you are not alone.

Even in the darkest times, people find strength in each other. We often see communities unite after tragedy – a powerful reminder that none of us has to face heartbreak alone. For those struggling, there are healthy ways to cope. Here are some ideas:

𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings. Don't judge yourself for any reaction – suppressing emotions can make things worse in the long run. Find a safe way to let them out, whether by talking, writing, or creative outlets.

𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to upsetting news can amplify anxiety and hopelessness. Try to set gentle boundaries on media consumption – for example, check updates once or twice a day instead of every hour.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁: You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to a friend, family member, or even a colleague about how you’re feeling – chances are they’re feeling similarly, and you can comfort each other.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 & 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: If a tragedy targets a specific group, stand with them – reach out, offer support, and speak against hate, so no one faces fear alone. Helping others in your community isn’t just good for them – it’s also good for our own mental health.

Together, by supporting one another and caring for our mental health, we can find strength even in the darkest times. That’s how hope endures.