What do survivors of gun violence experience? An expert explains

Gun violence is traumatic for everyone involved — victims, their family and friends, residents of nearby homes and first responders. But there's a path to recovery for those who might be struggling following the June 2 shooting at Kelly and Eighth avenues or other violent events.

"I would say that the the first thing to know," said Varunee Faii Sangganjanavanich , "is that you are not alone."

Sangganjanavanich — a University of Akron professor in clinical medical counseling, director of the School of Counseling and CEO of the Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling in the College of Health and Human Sciences — said that 25% of Americans experience symptoms of mental health disorders, including trauma.

The Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling offers affordable counseling services for people in Greater Akron.

"Second thing is to really seek support," she said, explaining that that might mean speaking with someone trustworthy in your family or circle of friends, or seeking out a licensed professional — counselors, trauma specialists or psychologists, for example.

What are the symptoms of trauma?

"A lot of times," she said, "incidents like this come with shock. People didn't really expect to encounter this situation while they're out partying, having a good time."

They may find themselves experiencing symptoms of what's called acute stress disorder, she said, which can include anxiety or nervousness, continuing easy irritability, trouble sleeping, vivid recollections of the event, hypervigilance and avoidance of where the shooting took place. Other possible symptoms include forgetfulness and an inability to recall the event.

Physical symptoms might manifest as well, especially in people out of touch with their emotions, she said. These can include headaches, back pain or feelings of tension.

Symptoms, Sangganjanavanich said, typically manifest seven days after the incident and last no more than four weeks.

However, acute stress disorder can progress into post-traumatic stress disorder, characterized by more persistent and severe symptoms.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse may arise in some instances, Sangganjanavanich said.

"One of the early signs of trauma sometimes comes through physical symptoms," she said.

"The good news? These things can be treated."

What are some ways to address trauma?

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, speaking with a counselor or trauma specialist and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly known as EMDR therapy , are all effective ways to treat trauma , Sangganjanavanich said.

It's also helpful for survivors to talk through their trauma with a trusted support network of friends and family, Sangganjanavanich said. A healthy self-care routine can help, too, whether that be meditation, gardening or another grounding activity.

"There are so many treatments available without medication," she said.

How do first responders react to trauma?

As the clinical adviser of the Akron Fire Department and the Akron Police Department peer support programs, she worked closely with those who had responded to the Kelly Avenue shooting.

First responders are subject to the stresses that stir up trauma responses "multiple times a day," Sangganjanavanich said. "These multiple exposures to trauma make them more vulnerable to PTSD symptoms than a typical individual like you and I.

"The culture, for them, is they are the rescuers. Generally, they compartmentalize these feelings aside, and focus on the actual work they do because it's part of the job requirement," she said.

Some have healthy self-care routines that helps them address traumatic experiences, while others don't. Those without healthy coping mechanisms can develop unhealthy attempts at coping — drug and/or alcohol abuse, for example — which occurs in the general population, too.

The most important thing to know, Sangganjanavanich said, is "that you can get better."

"There's a way, so many ways, that people can get better," she said. "All these traumatic symptoms can be well managed."

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413 .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What do survivors of gun violence experience? An expert explains