In the wake of a horrible tragedy, Hospice of Santa Barbara is providing services to help anyone affected by the recent shooting in Isla Vista.
Mourners have banded together throughout college campuses and across the world to show support for those who lost loved ones due to the violent act that took place on Friday, May 24. From taking part in candlelight vigils to posting banners on Facebook, many have taken it upon themselves to help honor those who lost their lives.
“Common responses to grief include feelings of shock, numbness, anger, anxiety and fatigue, in addition to physical sensations and thoughts of confusion or disbelief,” said Gabriela Dodson, Hospice of Santa Barbara Director of Clinical Services, in a press release. “These are all normal and natural feelings. We at Hospice of Santa Barbara are here to provide bereavement support to anyone in the community.”
It is recommended that people talk about how they might be feeling, and to seek out support from others. It might help to receive comfort and assurance from loved ones, and to speak with people who share similar feelings. This, along with other ways of handling grief in a healthy way, can hopefully provide solace to those dealing with these unprecedented events.
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides community members with access to trained, professional counselors around the clock.
Dodson also said that it can take a long time to heal after a sudden loss, and that the services at Hospice are available for the community, UC Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara City College students for as long as their doors are open.
Hospice of Santa Barbara offers free bereavement support to anyone impacted by the deaths in Isla Vista.
For more information, call 563-8820 or visit hospiceofsantabarbara.org.
Intern Emma Fuhs compiled this week’s Community Corner. Information should be sent to the Sun via mail, email, or fax.
This article appears in Jun 5-12, 2014.