After a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado, one local leader is urging Central Floridians to check on one another this Thanksgiving week.
The holiday season can be difficult for some, but we're here for you - 24/7/365. Text 988 whenever you need someone to talk to. #988Lifeline pic.twitter.com/cN3cm9VYa6
— 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (@988Lifeline) November 18, 2022
Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani says for many survivors of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, and for the families and friends of victims, holidays are always hard, but this one could be especially so.
A shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs over the weekend left 5 dead and more than 25 wounded and it could trigger memories of the Pulse shooting, along with fresh feelings of grief.
“Going into Thanksgiving, we're going to have families across our community and across the country, especially in Colorado Springs, where there will be missing, missing people and empty chairs. And so I really do encourage, for those who are impacted or managing grief right now, to seek help. We have mental health resources available. And we want to make sure that every person knows they’re not alone. And it’s ok, not to be ok.”
Eskamani says a good place to start in Central Florida is the Mental Health Association of Central Florida and NAMI of Greater Orlando.
“So I really do encourage folks that if you are in Central Florida, a good go-to-resource to identify other providers is the Mental Health Association of Central Florida. But you also have NAMI of Greater Orlando, you have Peer Support Space. And Peer Support Space is a really fantastic organization because they also provide care in non-clinical settings.”
Eskamani blames the killings on a nationwide wave of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric.
Call or text 988 if you or a friend is experiencing suicidal thoughts after the shooting. Call 911 if you are experiencing a mental health emergency.
