LEWISTON, Maine — When yearly milestones of tragic events arrive, especially the first, mental health professionals say it could trigger old emotions. It’s referred to as the "anniversary effect."
Friday marks one year since 18 lives were lost during the Lewiston mass shootings. It’s a day Mainers will never forget, and some may never forget the emotions they felt on Oct. 25, 2023.
The National Center for PTSD recommends planning, or coping, ahead to help manage negative thoughts or feelings.
If you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, or angry when thinking about the tragedy, Dr. Marc Kaplan, the medical director at Sweetser, told NEWS CENTER Maine those feelings are normal. You are not alone.
He said those emotions can happen to anyone, even if you weren’t in Lewiston that day.
“Wherever they live, this was something that affected all Mainers. So, once again, if you're feeling these symptoms, honor them," Kaplan said. "Talk to somebody about them. Do not judge yourself as being silly or weak."
Kaplan added that the most important thing you can do is to surround yourself with community.
“The worst thing a person could do is beat themselves up for feeling those things. It's best to just experience them, acknowledge them, talk to some loved ones, and they'll pass," Kaplan said. "And try to get to engage in things. Don't be alone."
There are opportunities to be with fellow Mainers this week. The Maine Resiliency Center will hold a youth connection event in Lewiston Thursday evening. The event is for kids ages 7-11 and will be held at the center from 4:40-5:30 p.m. It’s intended for youth affected by the shooting who were not present at either location.
RELATED: One year later, Maine Resiliency Center in Lewiston finding new ways to care for shooting survivors
On Friday, the Holy Family Church in Lewiston will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to all community members who want to seek peace, reflect, and pray.
The October 25th Commemoration Event at the Colisee in Lewiston will begin at 6 p.m. Friday. Attendees are encouraged to park at the Southern Gateway or Oak Street parking garages and take a free shuttle service to the event. Shuttles will begin running at 4 p.m. and the last shuttle will leave the arena at 8:30 p.m.
If you can’t make it to the event, NEWS CENTER Maine will have a livestream on air and online.
If you need support, you can always call the Maine Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112.