ABC News (3/24, Rothman, Jain) reports, “After two mass shootings in less than one week, mental health experts say the effects these horrific events have on the American public are amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Dr. Ronald Acierno, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UTHealth’s McGovern Medical School, said, “When there’s something about the case that resonates with you and that you identify with, it’s going to have a pretty significant impact. In this case, it was in a store where everybody goes. It’s such a common daily activity that’s so much a part of us that it’s particularly frightening for people.” Dr. Acierno added that trauma can cause people to develop PTSD, general anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or other conditions, “And that’s only when you give it a name.” The APA “outlines common reactions following a disaster, including changes in sleep, mood changes, decreased energy, changes in appetite, problems concentrating.
Related Links:
— “Mass shootings add to mental health issues already affected by COVID-19 “Dr. Samuel Rothman andDr. Tarun Jain, ABC News, March 24, 2021