Wellspring Mass Shooting in Las Vegas

In response to the recent mass shooting that took place Sunday night in Las Vegas, we are providing the following resources to help you and your family cope with your emotional responses to this tragedy.

This event may evoke feelings of fear and anxiety, or bring back thoughts associated with other tragedies that have happened closer to home.  If you need support, or specific resources, please call us anytime.

The following links are curated articles provided as starting points to help you understand and navigate through the emotional impact of this tragedy.  If at any time you would like to speak to a counselor, call us.

• Common Reactions After Trauma
• Coping With A Traumatic Event
• Helping Children And Adolescents Cope With Violence And Disasters
• Tips For Talking With Children After A Traumatic Event
• Coping With Traumatic Events

When something tragic like this happens, it’s normal to have stress reactions. The severity of your reaction depends on the nature of the situation, your involvement in it, and how you are coping with other stressors in your life at the time of the incident.  Most stress reactions resolve within a few weeks, with good self-care and support from friends and family.

Common reactions to an extreme stressor include:

• Physical reactions: tightness in the throat or chest, trouble sleeping, lack of appetite, fatigue, headaches, lower back aches.
• Emotions: sadness, irritability or anger, fear, anxiety, and guilt.
• Thoughts: disbelief, inability to concentrate, confusion, difficulty with decision-making.
• Behaviors: avoiding reminders of the event, withdrawing from others, increased use of alcohol, restlessness.

There are many ways to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic situation. Some that you may find helpful include:

• Accept that the reactions you are experiencing are normal following a traumatic incident.
• Take a break from the news when coverage is making you feel overwhelmed.
• Keep a journal. Writing can be very healing. Write down your thoughts, fears, pain and despair.
• Reach out to your support system. Find people who will listen to you, and comfort you. This could be friends, family, clergy, or a therapist.
• Take care of yourself physically. Get 8 hours of sleep, eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and take walks outside.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs not prescribed by your physician.
• Remember to breathe.

If your reactions do not resolve within a few weeks, or if you are experiencing disturbing images or nightmares, call us for a referral to a qualified therapist experienced with trauma.