LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It has been 2-1/2 years since the 1 October shooting, but for survivors, quarantine could be a setback on their healing journey.
Studies show mental health concerns are inflamed by stress, fear, and boredom.
"Recovery from a traumatic event like that takes years," says Tennille Pereira, director of the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center. "It could be 3, 5, 7 years before someone gets to a place where they're ready to get the resources they need to heal."
The COVID-19 pandemic could bring back feelings of panic and fear for many 1 October survivors, especially since the stay-at-home orders have separated them from their support groups.
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"Having this come in and add on top of that trauma, it definitely makes it more challenging," says Pereira. "It brings up feelings of anxiety, lack of control."
Officials with the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center say since the stay-at-home orders were put in place, they've seen about a 30% increase in calls, and they expect those numbers to keep going up.
Here are some tips in case you need help.
- Stay connected. Use social media and video calls to talk with friends and family.
- Try a zoom workout class, or even meditation.
- Create a routine. Change out of pajamas and check things off a to-do list.
Pereira says survivors can continue to heal, even with all the unknowns of this pandemic.
"Wherever they are in their healing journey, whatever COVID-19 has compounded for them, we're here for them," she says. "We'll connect them to resources to help them through this process."
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center does have a coronavirus tab on their website for even more resources.
