Coping After the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival Tragedy
- Theodosia Daflos
- May 1
- 4 min read
The recent Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy, where a man drove a truck into a crowd, killing 11 and injuring many, has been deeply scarring for so many in Vancouver and the Vancouver-Filipino community. Events like these can leave psychological impacts as deep (and even deeper) than the obvious physical injuries.
As a psychotherapist in Vancouver, I want to share what we know about trauma responses, how to support healing, and when it’s important to seek professional help. Whether you were directly involved or are feeling the ripple effects, this guide is for you.
What Is a Normal Response to Trauma?
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event like the Lapu-Lapu Day truck attack, your mind and body go into high alert. You’ve been through or witnessed an actual threat to your life, and your nervous system has been activated to its highest level in order to keep you safe. What happened was unexpected, and your brain is trying to be on guard in case you’re still in danger. It’s trying to protect you, even though it may no longer feel that way. The danger has passed, but your nervous system didn’t seem to get the message. Here's what many people experience after trauma:
Emotionally, you might feel:
Numb or in shock - like this horrible thing hasn’t happen, like you’re in a bad dream
Scared or anxious - worried it might happen again. This can include intense waves of fear, and even panic attacks
Deep sadness or grief - for the people who died, and for the ones whose lives have been irreparably changed
Irritable or angry - at the world, at what happened, or just in general
Guilty - sometimes people wonder “why them, not me?”
Mentally, you might notice:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of what happened
Trouble concentrating or making decisions, even feeling spaced out or having brain fog
Feeling disoriented or confused
Sleep problems, including not being able to fall or stay asleep, or having intense nightmares
Physically, trauma can show up as:
Exhaustion or chronic fatigue
Tension headaches, stomach issues, or body aches
Loss of appetite or overeating
Increased heart rate or shakiness
A general sense of restlessness
These are normal trauma responses, especially in the first days or weeks after the event. Everyone processes trauma differently, so you may not experience all these symptoms, or experience different symptoms than those listed above. Healing also isn’t linear - some days might be better than others.
Things That Can Help
You can’t erase what happened, but there are ways to support yourself or others and begin healing:
Talk to Someone You Trust (when you’re ready) - Social connection is one of the strongest buffers against trauma. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or support group, talking helps.
Stick to a Routine - Simple routines (regular meals, sleep schedules, daily walks) can help bring a sense of control when everything feels chaotic.
Breathe, Move, Rest - Breathing exercises, stretching, or guided meditations can help regulate your nervous system. Apps like Insight Timer or Calm are great tools.
Cut Back on Doomscrolling - Too much news or social media about the festival tragedy can retraumatize and keep us stuck in stress mode (hello nervous system!). Stay informed, but give yourself permission to disconnect.
Use Creative Outlets - Journaling, painting, music, or even cooking can help us process complex feelings.
When Should You Seek Extra Support?
You don’t need to wait for a crisis to talk to a professional. But especially reach out if:
You’re still feeling really off weeks later, or your symptoms become worse over time
You’re struggling to function at work, school, or at home
You’re withdrawing from loved ones
You’re using substances to cope
You’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
There are many approaches to healing trauma, including evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) help people safely process what happened and move forward. A good therapist will work with you at your own pace, without judgment, and help you make sense of what happened.
Mental Health Resources in Canada
If you or someone you love is struggling, there are excellent mental health services in Canada:
Want to Read More?
If you're interested in understanding more about trauma and how we heal, these books are excellent:
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for PTSD: Practical Exercises for Overcoming Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Kirby Reutter
The Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Workbook for PTSD: Overcome Fear and Anxiety and Reclaim Your Life by Matthey T. Tull, Kim L. Gratz, and Alexander L. Chapman
Finding Life Beyond Trauma: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress and Trauma-Related Problems by Victoria M. Follette and Jacqueline Pistorello
Final Thoughts
We can’t undo what happened at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival, but we can take steps to care for ourselves and each other. Whether you were there, knew someone who was, or are just feeling the ripple effects, know this: your reactions make sense—and support is out there when you need it.
To book an appointment with the Vancouver Psychotherapy Clinic, please click here:
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