Tuesday marks one year since the mass shooting at the King Soopers Table Mesa location that took the lives of ten people, an event that Boulder and surrounding communities are still healing from.
The #BoulderStrong Resource Center, a multiagency hub offering resources to those affected by the Boulder Table Mesa tragedy, has seen an uptick in people needing services as this anniversary approaches, according to Julie Ratinoff, who provides clinical support at the center.
“Any time there is a mass tragedy or event that happens, any anniversary is going to bring back memories of what happened,” Ratinoff said. “It might be something that people haven’t thought about in a while and maybe didn’t realize how affected they were by the event.”
Managed by Mental Health Partners of Boulder and sponsored by King Soopers, the resource center opened in the wake of the shooting to offer help to those most immediately impacted by the tragedy. It offers anything from therapy dogs visits to massages to group sessions focused on art or yoga. The center can also connect those needing help to individual therapists as people process this tragedy.
Ratinoff explained that needing to heal is not restricted to people directly impacted by the event.
“We know it affects people regardless if they were there or not,” Ratinoff said.
Mike Rodgers, a counselor in Longmont, explained that this and other recent tragedies in the nearby community can and does affect people throughout the region.
“This event, combined with the recent Marshall (fire) does have a collective effect on everyone whether people think so or not, to lesser or greater degrees as people's responses are as unique as our DNA,” he said.
Both Rodgers and Ratinoff encouraged people feeling the weight of the anniversary to pursue nurturing activities, whether that is connecting with people, journaling, doing art or being outside. For people feeling anxiety or stress on the anniversary, Ratinoff recommended grounding and breathing exercises.
“This is going to be very individual and individuals have the best knowledge of what supports them,” Ratinoff said.
According to Ratinoff, there can often be a delay of one to three years between the traumatic event and people realizing they need or want help. While anniversaries can be triggering, other events like holidays, the 22nd of a month, or cloudy weather similar to the weather the day of the shooting can also trigger difficult feelings.
Regardless of when someone decides they need help, the purpose of the resource center is to offer people a variety of ways to approach healing as they need.
“We offer a holistic set of services and are here to respond as needs arise,” she said. “Whether they need us now or in the future, we’re here to support and meet people where they are.”
Rodgers emphasized that in the wake of this event, even a year or more out, it’s OK and normal to need help. He encouraged people in the community to talk about these feelings and ask for support if they need it.
“I want to stress that many people need professional help,” Rodgers said. “This is a courageous thing and not a weakness. There is a lot of help available. You don't have to be alone and you don't have to suffer. There are solutions and hope.”
King Soopers will close the Table Mesa location on Tuesday to honor the lives lost and all who were impacted by the tragedy. The store reopened Feb. 9 after closing for nearly a year following the shooting and underwent a complete renovation.
Additionally, on Tuesday, all King Soopers and City Market stores will pause for a moment of silence at 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about the #BoulderStrong Resource Center and the services it provides at weareboulderstrong.com. The website also includes a list of commemorating events planned in the Boulder area.
Those needing immediate help should call the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255. Find local services from the Mental Health Partners at www.mhpcolorado.org/about/locations/longmont/.
Whatever an individual's experience has been with the Table Mesa tragedy, Ratinoff emphasized that the emotional recovery from such an event looks different to everyone.
“There’s no right or wrong way to do healing,” Ratinoff said. “It’s very personal.”
