10.02.17 – (LAA/LUS) – Las Vegas Shootings – Dealing With Tragedy & Loss

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Monday, October 2, 2017

 

The Las Vegas Mass Shooting – Dealing with Tragedy & Loss.

As we slowly come to terms with the news of what is being reported as the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S., we were greatly relieved to hear that our coworkers on layovers and living in Las Vegas were not harmed. However, many may find themselves in the wake of traumatic emotions resulting from yet another senseless shooting. 

Coping with these emotions can be challenging and coping styles may vary from person to person. While one person may be emotionally expressive, another may be reticent. Some may respond by being more action oriented while others may be more reflective. 

A response style is less important than the degree to which coping efforts successfully allow one to continue necessary activities, regulate emotions, sustain self-esteem, and maintain and enjoy interpersonal contacts.

Initial reactions to trauma can include exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, agitation, numbness, disassociation, physical arousal and blunted effect. Most responses are normal in that they are socially acceptable, psychologically effective, and self-limited. Indicators of more severe responses include continual distress without periods of relative calm or rest, severe disassociation symptoms, and intense intrusive thoughts that continue despite a return to safety.

Another factor to be considered in self-care after traumatic events is social media. We are living in a hyper-connected world with social media being at the core of many of our interactions. It is important to balance the need for getting the latest updates on your news-feed with taking time to practice proper self-care by getting support from loved ones and those around you. Be good to yourself, online and off. 

Your APFA Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) are your “First Responders” and your well-being is our first priority. Any traumatic event at home, in the workplace or in the world can provoke distressful emotions which are normal reactions to an abnormal event. We are available for confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are Flight Attendants assisting Flight Attendants.
 

Abby Alconcher
APFA National EAP Specialist
[email protected]

 

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