Finding Support After the Lapu-Lapu Festival Tragedy

What was meant to be a day of community, culture, and joy turned into a day of unimaginable heartbreak.
The tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver has left deep scars — not just for those directly affected, but for everyone who feels the weight of this loss.

When something so devastating happens so close to home, it shakes us. It can shake our sense of safety, our trust in the world, and our hope for the future.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, heartbroken, anxious, or even numb right now.

If you are feeling affected by this tragedy, please know that you are not alone.

Whether you were at the festival, knew someone impacted, or are simply grappling with the collective grief of our community, your emotions are real. They are valid. And you deserve space and support to heal.

Even hearing about a traumatic event through the news, social media, or word of mouth can impact your mental health.
Your brain doesn’t always distinguish between direct experience and vivid, disturbing news.
Images, videos, and emotional stories can create what's called vicarious trauma — a very real, very valid emotional response.
You may find yourself feeling unsettled, deeply anxious, or heartbroken, even if you weren’t physically present.
This is a natural human response to witnessing suffering — it means you care. And you deserve support too.

These responses are not a sign of weakness.
They are your mind and body’s way of trying to process an experience that feels too big, too painful, too overwhelming to handle alone.

You Are Not Alone in This

In times like these, many people wonder if what they’re feeling is “normal,” or they may hesitate to reach out for help, thinking others have it "worse." But your feelings matter. Your grief, fear, anger, and pain are valid.

You don't have to carry it all by yourself.

Talking to someone—whether a trusted friend, family member, or professional—can be an important step toward healing. Sometimes we need help to make sense of what happened, to manage the emotions that feel overwhelming, and to find a path forward after trauma.

How Counselling Can Help After Tragedy

• Processing grief and trauma in a safe, compassionate space

• Managing anxiety, sadness, or anger triggered by the event

• Learning coping strategies to care for your mental and emotional health

• Finding connection and support when you feel isolated

• Honoring your feelings without judgment

If you are struggling right now, please know support is available.

Whether you were present at the festival, knew someone who was impacted, or are feeling the weight of this tragedy in your heart, reaching out for help is a powerful act of self-care and resilience.

If you need support, I invite you to reach out.