A new study from St. FX University highlights some of the difficulties many of us are having 
in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the mass shooting in the province in April. The study “Tragedy during COVID-19, a Qualitative Study of Coping with a Spree Shooting During a Pandemic” was led by St. FX psychology Professor Dr. Karen Blair, University adjunct professor Dr. Rhea Hoskin and St. FX graduate and Queen’s University PhD student Laura la Roche.
Blair says many who participated in the study were already struggling with restrictions being imposed to limit the spread of the virus, and the tragedy further compounded what they were feeling.
When asked how COVID-19 impacted the ability to cope with the shooting, participants reported a decreased adherence to COVID-19 regulations, less ability to mourn and cope socially and lower availability of social support.
Participants also indicated being overwhelmed and feelings of hopelessness faced with simultaneous crises; experiencing anxiety, sadness, fear and stress. About 82 per cent of the participants in the study were Nova Scotian.