12/14/2023
If you know someone impacted by the UNLV shooting, here are some valuable resources to assist with the healing journey. Please have them sign-up for Victims of Crime to see if they qualify to receive financial support with vetted trauma therapists. Call (702) 486-2740 or visit https://voc.nv.gov/VOC/Application/
Following the violence at UNLV last week, as a parent of a child (never mind she is 18, still my CHILD!) who was on campus, I have been reflecting on what I should look for to gauge the mental health of my loved one.
Trauma affects us all differently. Signs of grief, stress, sadness, and anxiety/fear can show in many ways.
I have been closely monitoring my daughter in the days after the shooting. I am looking for changes in her behavior including but not limited to the following:
*Depression, sadness, social isolation
*Feeling the need to be hyper-aware or alert in case of danger
*An exaggerated startle response (being on edge)
*Increased irritability, sudden outbursts of anger
*Not wanting to care for self-not bathing or showering, staring off into space, crying for no reason
*Expression of feelings of shame, guilt, or intense worry
*Flashbacks, nightmares, abnormal sleeping patterns, disturbing intrusive thoughts
*Avoiding situations that may be reminders of the event such as expressing not wanting to return to
campus. (My daughter does not want to wear the clothes that she was wearing that day, ever again, and asked for a new backpack).
*Substance use or unhealthy coping strategies (such as self harm)
Some signs of distress can be more severe or intense depending on the level of trauma. Those affected may or may not have been on campus, and if they were on campus, may have been involved directly or indirectly. If you think your child (or anyone else in your life) is struggling, here are some resources that
can help. Please reach out!
Finding a therapist is like finding a good pair of shoes. After a few sessions, if it is not a good fit, it’s ok to find another therapist. It is a healing journey, and we all have a say in charting the course for ourselves.
Vegas Strong Resiliency Center (VSRC) 702-455-AIDE(2433)
Victims Of Crime (VOC) voc.nv.gov
24/7 Nevada Crisis Hotline Call 988
Desert Parkway Behavioral Health Hospital 877-663-7976 desertparkway.com
UNLV Care Center 702-895-4475 [email protected]
UNLV Practice 702-895-1532
UNLV Practice-Charge Up 702-895-5555 [email protected]
CICFC: Counseling available to public, $10 sessions for Faculty https://www.unlv.edu/cicfc
CAPS-Counseling and Psychological Services 702-895-3672/[email protected]
Student Health Center unlv.edu/studentwellness/health-center
FAST-Faculty and Staff Treatment 702-895-3370
The Healing Center: off campus, offering free sessions to staff and students 702-505-1280
Optima Wellness Center (Trauma Informed Reiki Therapy with HeartMath Techniques) 702-344-0252
Foundations Counseling Center (Support Group) 702-240-8639, ext 2
Red Rock Psychological Health 702-898-5311 www.redrockph.com
Pro Bono Services for those impacted by UNLV Incident Community Health Solutions 702-623-9551
Las Vegas Counseling Center-free services this week 702-466-3750
Legacy Health and Wellness-free counseling to those with no insurance 702-942-1774
Bilingual Behavioral Services Spanish Speaking Therapist, Ingrid Sanchez 702-451-7542
Disaster Distress Helpline 800-985-5990 (call or text)
DDH Online Peer Support for mass violence Strengthafterdisater.org
National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center NMVVRC.org