As we wake up to start our weeks today, brushing the sleep out of our eyes and reaching for our coffee and moving to wake our families, we find ourselves in the grips of news of our friends and family across the world once more facing the trauma of senseless violence. From Marseille to Edmonton to now the largest mass casualty shooting in U.S. history in Las Vegas, we once again must put forward our skills as relational therapists to help those who are immediately impacted by these threats to our sense of safety, recognizing both the immediate and long-term adverse effects that events like these have.
On behalf of the AAMFT Board of Directors and staff, we add our voices to the many coming together to offer support to those directly affected by these events, as well as the first responders who are providing vital aid. For many, the impact can be unbearable. We must stand together and demonstrate compassion and empathy during times that can overwhelm and challenge our fundamental values.
When tragedies occur, even if we are not directly affected, there is a systemic impact that can affect anyone. In the coming days, we know that many of our members and their clients will be struggling with processing these events or explaining the news of recent weeks to their children. The resources below have been created by member MFTs or compiled by AAMFT to help support this process.
- Tips for Parenting During Times of Crisis
- Spinning Fear
- Fear and the Family
- The Neuroscience of Fear
- Put the Oxygen Mask on Yourself First- Self Care when Working with the Traumatized
Many helping professionals and MFTs in affected areas are offering support or volunteering free or low cost services to those in the Las Vegas community who are struggling. We will continue to add to this list as more information becomes available. To find a therapist, you can utilize our directory here: Find a Therapist.
- The Red Cross has opened a hotline for those trying to locate family members who attended the concert and are uncontactable, which can be reached on 1-866-535-5654.
- A “family retreat area” has been established at the police’s headquarters at 400 South Martin Luther King Boulevard.
- Many of the victims are being treated at Las Vegas’ University Medical Center. The hospital’s emergency department can be reached on 702-383-2211.
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990
- Facebook Safety and Check In
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Mental Health Options in Nevada on the Rise
- MGM Grand needs certified trauma counselors