Our City and Community are grieving together at this time; grieving for those who we have lost and grieving that the sense of safety within our community has changed. It is going to take time to fully process what has taken place.
It is important to understand that everyone is going to grieve and respond to this tragic event differently. There is no “right way” to grieve. You may experience feelings of being sad, numb, restless, angry, unable to sleep, and more. Witnesses can experience flashbacks of what they saw. It is not uncommon for these feelings and symptoms to last for many weeks.
While everyone is going to grieve differently, it is important to understand the importance of self care, healthy coping strategies and how trauma can affects our bodies.
During times of stress, our body has a physical response as well. Without good self care, our physical body struggles to return to its normal functioning level. This causes a decreased ability to process our feelings and thoughts. Drinking healthy beverages such as water, eating as regularly as you are able and allowing your body time to rest are vital to assist our bodies and minds to overcome trauma. Doing an activity that you enjoy and getting some exercise (within your own comfort and limits) can also be helpful.
If after a couple of weeks, you are finding that the new stress related symptoms that you are experiencing are not going away or that you are not able to return to the normal routine you had before this event, it is important to reach out for support. Even if before a couple weeks pass, you are feeling the need to reach out for support, please do so.
Here is a list of support resources available in the community:
Counselling and Support Resources:
- If your employer has an EFAP program, you can access counselling support for you and any family members on your health plan.
- Morneau Shepell Crisis Support Line at 1-844-751-2133
- If you have a current case worker/social worker through the Department of Social Development, they may be able to help you access counseling services.
- Family Enrichment and Counselling on Queen Street has programs available to make counselling more affordable for those not able to pay customary rates. Call them at 506-458-8211.
- The Downtown Community Health Centre has counselling services available at 506-452-6383.
- SAGE psychotherapists in Fredericton are offering a no charge walk-in counselling clinic at their office, 944 Prospect St, 3rd Floor. As well, they are also ready for phone counselling 506-206-5132. Our hours for this weekend are Friday (5PM - 8PM), SATURDAY (10AM - 4PM) and SUNDAY (10AM-4PM).
- Mental Health Services: 506-453-2132
- Various local churches also offer counselling. Brunswick Street Baptist Church is one church that has a counseling centre.
- You can also consult with your family doctor of other medical practitioner for recommendations and care.
- CHIMO Support Line 1-800-667-5005