Newswise — Following the mass shooting in Orlando on June 12, 2016, those directly – and even indirectly – affected by the tragedy will need support and ways to cope with the psychological trauma.

What can those directly affected do to heal? What about those who might not have been directly impacted, but still feel the trauma of the event because they are LGBTQ? And how can someone help support someone in distress?

A counseling expert has some advice, and can also explain the different phases of disaster response for those experiencing psychological trauma.

Laura R. Shannonhouse, an assistant professor of counseling and psychological services at Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development, noted that disaster response literature shows that this “honeymoon” phase of community cohesion and shared resolve won’t endure.

To reach Shannonhouse, contact the college’s director of communications, whose contact information is in the contact box above, visible to registered, logged-in Newswise users.

“Unfortunately, research shows that this period is only temporary, usually lasting a few weeks and is followed by disillusionment,” Shannonhouse said. “Eventually, survivors will realize that there are limits to the assistance available. Those that were injured or lost loved ones will have to go on with rebuilding their lives. And the universal calls to action and justice may be met with the reality that institutions often change slowly, if at all.”

Survivors will have to maintain resolve and support as the country heads into the “disillusionment” phase, she said, and one of the greatest ways to build resilience is the support of others in the months and years to come.

“If you are in the position to help a survivor or someone affected, challenge yourself to be a point of resilience for that person as long as you can,” Shannonhouse said. “That being said, resist the urge to ‘parachute in,’ and if you are responding to someone that you don’t personally know, be sure to do it as part of an organized response effort.”

Those closer to the trauma because of their relationships with victims and survivors, those who have prior life experience with trauma, or because they closely identify with a major targeted group in the attack – the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, for one – should be on guard for common stress reactions, Shannonhouse said.

“The list of possible symptoms is long, and includes changes in emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physical, and spiritual domains,” she said. Some include anger, irritability, restlessness, distressing dreams, memory problems, poor concentration, outbursts of anger, physical pain, weight changes, or having one’s connection to faith seriously shaken.

Shannonhouse recommended the following if affected by these and other symptoms (link opens to PDF, courtesy Wheaton College):

• Unplug. Turn off the TV and social media.• Do what normally helps you feel better in other situations – such as exercising, listening to music, engage in creative activities or a creative routine, or spending time with friends.• Consider pursuing professional mental health care.

“There is no shame in asking for help, and there are often low-cost resources available,” Shannonhouse added.

For those who were not directly affected by the tragedy, but have been deeply impacted through intense news coverage and through social media, unplugging from TV and social media will also be helpful.

“Protect yourself from the vicarious traumatization that may be experienced from our 24-hour news cycle, and practice self-care,” Shannonhouse said.

As the weeks and months go by, empathy -- by all of us -- will be critical in healing and helping one another, she said, regardless of geographic or personal distance from the attack.

“In the wake of the recent horrific events in Orlando, I pray that we may all show love for each other, take care of ourselves, and remember that ‘I am because we are,’” Shannonhouse said.

For more about the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University’s College of Education and Human Development, visit http://education.gsu.edu.