VIRTUAL EMDR BLOG

What to Do if You Have Been Affected by a Mass Shooting

04 Oct 2017

Tag: PTSD

The news is nothing short of heartbreaking-we have just experienced the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

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?

For the survivors, life will be forever changed. At least some (many probably) will develop the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some may start to drink or use drunk or act out in an addiction.

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.

Please Note. This free give away is only for those affected by this incident and also for first responders. This is NOT an opportunity to be dishonest to get free EMDR Therapy. You can sign up for Virtual EMDR here. Thank you.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

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.

*If you are a victim of this horrible tragedy, Virtual EMDR is 100% free for you.

ACCORDING TO MEDICAL NON-PROFIT THE MAYO CLINIC, PTSD SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE-

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

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