Following a recent tragic event on campus, the University of New Mexico is highlighting the importance of mental health and providing resources to those affected by trauma. Several university experts have spoken about the effects of traumatic events, especially those involving violence.
Tameka Gillum, Ph.D., a violence researcher at the UNM Health Sciences Center’s College of Population Health, noted that gun violence has become the leading cause of death among young people in the United States in recent years. “Any loss of life is troubling, but even more so when you think about the fact that there are things we could potentially do to better address and to reduce that,” Gillum said. “But when you think about the trauma associated with loss that’s experienced in such a violent way, that exacerbates the trauma and the mental health consequences that people experience as a result of that.”
Gillum emphasized that trauma extends beyond direct victims to include family members, friends, teachers, and others exposed to community violence. “When you consider that there were other people in the room where the violence took place, even though they didn’t necessarily experience the physical wounds, they were still exposed to trauma,” she said.
She also pointed out that survivors of gun violence can face both immediate and long-term physical and psychological challenges. “There’s significant research to support that both being a victim of gun violence as well as exposure to gun violence increases the risk of a whole host of mental health consequences—everything from post-traumatic stress disorder to depression and anxiety, to feelings of distrust and unsafety.”
Gillum added: “It increases people’s risk for substance use disorder. Violence in that way can cause significant psychological trauma that can go unaddressed for years, especially in communities of color where sometimes mental health is stigmatized, oftentimes people may end up self-medicating with substances.” She compared untreated psychological trauma to an untreated physical infection.
Cortny Stark, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Individual, Family & Community Education and licensed professional counselor for 12 years, explained how avoidance can worsen post-traumatic stress disorder. “According to Cognitive Processing Therapy (by Resnick), avoidance is the driver of post-traumatic stress disorder. When we attempt to compartmentalize the stress associated with a traumatic event – and fail to allow our bodies to experience our fight, flight, freeze response – we are more likely to experience long term disruption and continued anxiety and distress,” Stark said.
Stark described how trauma can challenge core beliefs about safety and competence: “The mind can become overwhelmed, with intrusive thoughts… Those beliefs most challenged are: The world is a safe place, and I am capable and competent. When something happens, like the nonsensical death of a community member to gun violence… We lose our sense of power and control in our environment and relationships.”
Stark recommended strategies for coping after traumatic events such as watching familiar films, talking through feelings with others, eating comfort food, or participating in community activities like vigils or fundraisers.
Paulette Christopher, Ph.D., clinic director at the Psychology Clinic at UNM, advocated for therapy as a means for recovery: “As psychologists, we aim to apply our knowledge and the most effective treatments available to improve functioning and promote recovery in many areas of people’s lives. Whether its health issues, mental health issues, relationships, substance use issues or trauma, therapy can help. We hope that one day the stigma of seeking mental health services is no longer a barrier to care.”
The University offers various mental health services:
– Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) provides individual counseling sessions—including case management—and support groups.
– TimelyCare offers 24/7 virtual care services for students without insurance requirements.
– Counseling Assistance & Referral Services (CARS) supports employees through free confidential services.
– The Women’s Resource Center provides free counseling for students during fall and spring semesters.
– The Psychology Clinic serves youth and adults on a sliding fee scale; no one is turned away due to inability to pay.
– The Agora Crisis Center runs a help line for anyone experiencing crisis situations.
– Manzanita Counseling Center offers free counseling run by graduate students under faculty supervision during academic terms.
These programs aim not only at addressing acute needs following traumatic events but also promoting ongoing access to mental healthcare within both student body and broader community.
