VIRTUAL EMDR BLOG
What to Do if You Have Been Affected by a Mass Shooting
04 Oct 2017
Tag: PTSD
Media sources say that the shooter Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire at a crowd of approximately 22,000 people attending a country music concert, killing 58 and injuring more than 500 others from his 32nd floor hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Paddock was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot after police stormed his room.
What has gone so wrong in our world that some people decide to lash out and execute innocent people?
They will start to feel unsafe in public places. Or perhaps they will start feeling on constant alert and mentally switched on and vigilantly watching for danger. They may start to experience explosive or uncontrolled emotional outbursts. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
If someone you know has been shell-shocked by a traumatic life experience, you can take a few simple steps to help them.
First, reach out to them and be a friend (or a parent or a family member)-there’s nothing like having someone you trust nearby to get you through the bad times.
Second, point them in the direction of the recovery resources we just talked about: a good therapist, EMDR Therapy treatments, or support groups.
And third, just listen. For people with PTSD, sharing their story is often key for them to move on and get well. Offer an ear and hear what it is they have to say.
Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commission Chair from Las Vegas has set up a Go Fund Me raising funds to assist the victims of the tragic Las Vegas shooting. You can donate here.
Also, Virtual EMDR is also free for the heroic first responders who risked their own lives trying to help survivors and put a stop to the gunman (we always give it away for free to fire fighters, police, combat vets, and other first responders). Just send us an email, and tell us you are a first responder who wants free access.
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger
- Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
- For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:
- Re-enacting the event or aspects of the traumatic event through play
- Frightening dreams that may include aspects of the traumatic event
View Comments
I'm was a sexually slavery as a child. Sold at 14 for $2000 to a man who i was forced to married at 16. I got away but the abuse of my family follow me everywhere. I had untreated Complex ptsd. Then i got into therapist who showed me EMDR. I work on so much. But she left the small town i live in. No one would take my insurance so more help. I started Google's EMDR online. Virtual EMDR. My life is so full. I dont have to look over my shoulder anyone. I dont have to have my back against the wall and watching door and windows for exits. This what i thought everyone lived like.
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Hi Christa - Thanks so much for sharing your story! So thrilled to hear that you have been able to get over your childhood trauma and that your life is now what you deserve. Congratulations on taking that important step towards healing! May the light of strength and positivity always shine on you. Good luck!
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I'm leaving in South Africa how can l be EMDR as well,,, is it possible become I'm going through social phobia issue
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Hello, I also would like to comment over all the points mentioned in this blog. I agree with essence of few point but somewhere I found myself on other place. I hope, there might little opinion of others as well.
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I think that, first of all you have to make sure you are surrounded by people in whom you trust and believe. Mass shootings are spread in crowded places. Avoid them!
I think that, first of all you have to make sure you are surrounded by people in whom you trust and believe. Mass shootings are spread in crowded places. Avoid them! http://resumeperk.com/about-us.php