Health

Mental Health Experts Offer Advice in Wake of Tragic Shooting

The massacre in Colorado and the suspect’s connection to San Diego is generating a lot of attention and leading people to wonder how something like this could happen.
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The massacre in Colorado and the suspect’s connection to San Diego is generating a lot of attention and leading people to wonder how something like this could happen.

Mental health experts say it’s difficult to know what is going on in someone’s mind when a person decides to commit a violent act.

“Every person is his own world,” said Dr. Piedad García with County Mental Health Services. “One could never know exactly what is happening in the person’s mind.”

However, García explained, there are signs that someone could be in trouble:

  • No meaningful relation to family or friends
  • Looking for notoriety or attention
  • Feeling void or empty
  • Not being able to control some aspect of their life
  • Being isolated or detached
  • Feeling rejected

García also offered advice for parents who may be facing questions about the shooting.

She said something like this can generate a lot of fear and anxiety that can last a few days or weeks. That’s why it’s important for parents to be aware of their children’s response and be ready to talk openly about it, without providing too many details.

“Parents should control the amount of information children have access to and answer their questions simply without dramatizing the incident,” García said. “This helps to diminish fear and anxiety in children.”

The County operates the Access and Crisis Line seven days a week, 24 hours a day, where people can get help for issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, or other mental health challenges. The number is (888)724-7240.

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact