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When trauma strikes, people not only face physical challenges but also psychological ones. Following the Las Vegas shooting, mental health professionals from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas stepped in to provide support, recently sharing their insights on effective psychological first aid in an interview with The Conversation.
Michelle Paul, Heather Dahl, and John A. Nixon from UNLV were on the ground providing counseling in the aftermath. Here's a look at what they found helped those they assisted during the crisis:
Addressing immediate physical needs. Along with medical care, this included offering blankets, transportation home, and phone chargers to help evacuees stay connected with loved ones.
Providing accurate information. In the chaos of a traumatic event, reliable information is critical to dispel rumors and confusion.
Managing expectations. Experiencing symptoms like anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or nervousness is normal after a traumatic event. The UNLV team also informed survivors about signs that would signal the need for additional professional support, such as ongoing anxiety.
Guidance on seeking future help. It may take time for individuals to realize they need support or understand what type of help is necessary.
Teaching coping mechanisms. Survivors of trauma need tools to regain a sense of safety in their lives. These could include techniques like breathing exercises and problem-solving methods to avoid situations that may trigger distressing memories.
What typically doesn’t work, for most individuals, is a so-called 'debriefing' session where survivors recount their traumatic experiences for extended periods. Initially thought to help prevent PTSD, this approach can actually increase stress and hinder recovery.
Ultimately, the most suitable form of psychological first aid will differ for each individual. According to the scholars: 'Some of the people we worked with following the Oct. 1 shooting needed to talk. Some needed to sit quietly. Some needed to get busy and find something to do to feel helpful. Some needed to take a day to themselves. There are typical human stress responses to an abnormal event, but there is no one prescribed journey toward healing.'
