Vegas feels psychological impact of Florida shooting

News reports of yet another mass killing, this time in Florida, have brought renewed sorrow and stress to Las Vegas.

Local psychologists say they’re ready to help survivors of the Oct. 1 mass shooting and other Las Vegas Valley residents who exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress triggered by the killing of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Wednesday.

Call volumes were increasing Thursday at the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, said Clark County Assistant Manager Kevin Schiller.

“It’s definitely a trigger point, and it’s definitely causing an increase in a need for service,” Schiller said of Wednesday’s attack.

The reaction is normal, said Michelle Paul, director of The Practice, UNLV’S therapy clinic. She said she experienced sadness herself when she heard about the shooting in watching Youtube videos.”

Other helpful coping strategies can include yoga, exercise and healthy eating, he said.

And if you’re not sure if what you’re feeling is normal, pick up the phone and call for help, said Monique Cox, a therapist who works parttime at the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center.

“We’re here. Don’t go this alone,” she said. “Just know that if things get so overwhelming, there’s a place you can go.”