SALT LAKE CITY — In the wake of multiple recent tragedies — including the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday and the fatal shooting of two police officers in Garland, Utah, last month — state health leaders are urging Utahns to take care of their mental health and lean on available support.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) says it’s normal for people to experience a wide range of feelings following traumatic events, whether those events touch their lives directly or are felt through community loss.
“We all react to stressful or traumatic events differently,” said Eric Tadehara, interim director of the DHHS Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. “People may have intrusive thoughts, avoid things that remind them of the event or trauma, and have a range of feelings and emotional or behavioral reactions. What’s most important to remember is there is help and support available. Healing takes time. You don’t have to get through this alone.”
The Garland community is still mourning the deaths of Sergeant Lee Sorenson and Officer Eric Estrada, who were killed in the line of duty just weeks ago. Vigils, memorials and fundraisers have shown the outpouring of support for their families, but mental health experts say the shock of such violence can leave lasting emotional scars for fellow officers, families and neighbors in Northern Utah.
Rachel Lucynski, director of Community Crisis Intervention and Support Services at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, said free services are available statewide — from rural communities like Garland and Tremonton to larger cities.
“Whether you’re feeling scared, anxious, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, Utah has incredible mental health services available so you don’t have to go through those feelings alone,” she said. “Our team is here around the clock to support Utahns in need.”
How trauma affects us differently
Experts say the brain’s stress-response system goes into overdrive after a traumatic experience. Emotions may include fear, sadness or anger, while physical symptoms may appear as headaches, stomach pain or fatigue.
Children may show distress by acting out, regressing in behavior, or having trouble sleeping. Teenagers often withdraw socially or take risks. Adults may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or feelings of guilt and detachment. Older adults, though sometimes more resilient, may face worsened health conditions or increased isolation.
Recovery and resilience
Mental health professionals stress that recovery does not follow a single timeline. For some, symptoms fade in days or weeks, while others may need professional support for months or longer.
Trauma and grief are closely linked, as both are responses to loss. The Garland community’s grief for its fallen officers and the national response to Kirk’s killing are reminders that emotional healing often requires both time and social support.
Supporting children and loved ones
Parents are encouraged to maintain safe, predictable routines and limit children’s exposure to graphic news coverage. Experts recommend listening without judgment, encouraging open conversations, and modeling healthy coping behaviors.
Friends and family can also help adults by offering empathy, practical support, and encouraging professional help if needed.
When to seek help
Officials say to seek professional help if symptoms worsen, interfere with daily life, or if someone turns to drugs or alcohol to cope. Immediate support is essential if there are thoughts of self-harm or harming others.
Resources
Free resources are available statewide:
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 anytime to connect with crisis workers.
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SafeUT apps: Free, confidential chat with licensed counselors; versions available for students, parents, frontline workers, and the Utah National Guard.
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Warm Line (833-773-2588): Peer support specialists available daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. for non-emergency support.
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Huntsman Mental Health Institute: Programs include crisis services, therapy, and addiction recovery.
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Intermountain Behavioral Health Navigation Line: 833-442-2211 for adults, 801-313-7711 for children and teens.
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Healthy Minds Utah: Free online mental health questionnaires and resource connections.
Officials say that whether someone is grieving the loss of local officers in Box Elder County, or struggling with national events like Kirk’s death, Utahns don’t have to process those feelings on their own.
“Healing takes time,” Tadehara said. “But no one in Utah has to go through that process alone.”