Ongoing news coverage of a traumatic event such as the Orlando shooting can have a cumulative effect on a person's emotional response, mental health experts say.
A crisis health care line is available in Southern Arizona for anyone who needs support.
Cenpatico Integrated Care operates a 24/7 phone line for people who need help in a mental health crisis. The number is 1-866-495-6735 and operators have resources and support for a number of situations, including coping with the aftermath of the deadly shooting in Florida last weekend.
The agency coordinates all mental health care services in Southern Arizona and is concerned about the impact of the shooting on the region's mental health. Anyone can call the number, regardless of health insurance status.
“When coverage of a story like this extends into days it can have a cumulative effect and could build into a crisis," Terry Stevens, the president of Cenpatico, said in a news release.
A mental health crisis is defined as a situation that exceeds a person's coping skills, the news release said.
The hotline is 1-866-495-6735.
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