John Locher / AP
In this Oct. 16, 2017, file photo, people visit a makeshift memorial for victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting in Las Vegas.
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 | 2 a.m.
Related news
As the Oct. 1 shooting anniversary approaches, the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center has offered coping tips for those still affected by the tragedy.
The center also will open this weekend and have expanded hours on Monday, which marks a year since the massacre, Clark County officials announced.
“Anniversary reactions” for those who’ve suffered traumatic events are common, said Terri Keener, a clinical social worker and behavioral health coordinator at the center, in a news release.
Not everyone reacts the same, but some may experience “a return of distress symptom” felt in the immediate aftermath, Keener said. Some may feel “survivor’s guilt.”
“It’s important to be gentle with yourself and to surround yourself with the support you need from family, friends and those who care about you,” Keener said.
Melancholy, anxiety and anger — “especially if others appear to be enjoying themselves” — are natural, the release said. It’s recommended that those affected reach out to loved ones and not isolate themselves.
Faith and spirituality, for those that it applies to, can be a source of strength and comfort, the release said. If someone offers help, accept it.
As Monday approaches, it’s recommended that victims plan activities and know whom they’ll be with. In the coming days, exercise, walks and participating in “rituals,” such as “sharing a meal, visiting a special place, or attending a spiritual service,” also are recommended.
The center, which opened in the immediate weeks after the mass shooting and provides free resources and support, is available to survivors, family members of victims, responders, witnesses and good Samaritans present that night. It’s helped more than 7,000 visitors since its inception, according to the release.
More than 22,000 concert attendees were at the Route 91 Harvest festival at the Strip on Oct. 1 when a gunman indiscriminately opened fire from a 32nd floor perch, killing 58 and injuring hundreds more.
“We are here to provide support to anyone who may need it over the anniversary weekend or who wants to learn more about the services we offer,” said Teresa Etcheberry, assistant manager of Clark County Social Services and manager of the resiliency center, in the release.
The center, which is located at 1524 Pinto Lane, is generally open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It will open its doors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.
For more information, call 702-455-2433 or toll-free at 833-299-2433. Visit online at vegastrongrc.org or on Facebook.
