SALT LAKE CITY — As details emerge about an apparent murder-suicide in West Valley City involving a family of six, the information can be difficult to hear and process.
“This is one of those things that’s a tragedy on every level,” said Hilary Dahle, associate clinical mental health counselor at Eagle Mountain Counseling.
Darren Gillespie, a licensed clinical social worker, added, “This is a time to be sad, really.”
Dahle and Gillespie have helped people navigate grief and trauma. They spoke with KSL-TV Wednesday about how to process the disturbing news that five family members were found shot to death this week inside their home in West Valley City, with a sixth family member hospitalized in critical condition.
West Valley City police said Wednesday they believe the father, identified by police as Dae Rah, 42, shot his family members before turning the gun on himself.
“It’s very traumatic, especially for those who knew the family and the community,” Dahle said.
It can also be tough for children to process when kids their age are involved.
Dahle advised being direct and open — and not hiding it.
“Sometimes we want to go in and we want to reassure the child and make sure they feel good,” she said. “But they need a moment to feel what they feel, and it really is a scary event.”
Gillespie added children often process bad news heavier than adults do.
“The less they have to be exposed, the better,” he said. “But if they are, the best thing the parents could do is help them understand it better than what their mind is doing.”
But adults can also struggle with processing stories like this. This tragedy happened just one week before Christmas.
“It’s supposed to be a happy season where people are more merry,” Gillespie said.
The counselors said it’s important to be aware of feelings and talk to someone.
“It’s OK to say we’re sad, this was difficult to hear — we need some time and space to kind of think about it — and give ourselves time to grieve,” said Dahle.
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