Danger in ONLY focusing on Gun Control to deal with the American phenomenon of Mass Shootings
While I make no excuse or try to hide my disdain for gun culture and guns in general, by only focusing on the desire to eliminate guns (or at least assault-style rifles) we are only having part of the discussion about this very complicated and disturbing uniquely American problem. One report, states the US had 647 mass shootings, and another stated the US had over 40,000 deaths from gun violence (including mass shootings, domestic violence, and suicide) in 2022 alone. As of Monday, when a gunman shot and killed 3 MSU students and injured many others, we already have 67 mass shootings in our country. Regardless of the article or reporting, consistently the US leads the world in gun violence. Why?
If we were to be brave and decide, as a nation, to ban assault-style weapons or certain high artillery weapons, we would (and have data to support when we have temporarily done so in the past) reduce gun violence in our country. I fully support this first step, but let us be clear, it is only the first step. We need to do more.
The REAL problem isn’t guns per se, although having easy access to these types of weapons is adding fuel to an already smoldering fire within our world. Rather, what is below the surface that is at the root of the decision-making process for some to invoke this type of terror and violence on random strangers, including those who are the most vulnerable (Sandy Hook & Uvalde).
Humans are hurting, feeling isolated, and disgruntled, and many are fearful of our future based on what they are consuming via social media or various news outlets. Most mass shooters have some sort of known mental health history which is what I want to talk about in this blog. What are we doing as a country to address the ROOT cause- the WHY people are turning to violence (and mass violence in particular) in our country, the self-proclaimed “best country in the world” in catastrophic numbers year after year?
I’d love to live in a world where there were no guns. Yes, that is my truth. And….I understand that is not likely to happen, at least in this country. While other countries, including many world allies, have been successful in doing so but for whatever reasons, Americans seem to view ourselves as “special” and therefore can’t conceive this is a possibility for our country. At least that is what many politicians consistently tell their fellow Americans. That, along with it is “too complicated” for us simpletons to understand.
But what are we doing to “fix” the actual problem?
Deciding to inflict harm on another goes against the hardwiring ALL humans have in our DNA, to connect with and love and support one another. The humans who have made the decision to kill people with complete disregard for who or how many, and those who will continue to make these decisions (if we cease to act in meaningful, impactful, and sweeping ways,) are hurting. I can have great compassion for the hurt they feel. Let me repeat, I can have compassion for the hurt they are feeling, not for HOW they choose to act because of whatever they are feeling. What are we doing to address this issue- the hurt, the isolation, the pain, the fear, the deeply disturbing narratives that are being so freely shared in our country and our world?
Last year, I published my first book (link shared below) focusing on the connection between our own inner peace and peace in our world. It is my belief, both personally and professionally, that we will not KNOW peace in our world without FIRST dealing with and healing the hurts we carry inside us. Each of us. While I can continue to work with healing and empowering and supporting clients in my clinical practice, I have absolutely no authority to make lawmakers look at these deeper issues, but I have lots of ideas I hope some of them may make it to lawmakers who CAN create policy and programs to fully address this issue.
Increase access to and funding for mental health services. We don’t have enough professionals to adequately assist all who are in need. I, and none of my colleagues, have space in our schedules for more clients. We need more trained professionals to help and need to encourage more people to go into this career.
Decrease/Eliminate the stigma over a mental health diagnosis. How is this still a “thing” and why? Life is complicated, messy, and at times really difficult to navigate. Why is it considered “shameful” to seek support to better manage the complexities of life? Social influencers, celebrities, and those who have a legit platform follow the path of brave souls like Selena Gomez (My Mind and Me documentary), Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach (We can do Hard Things podcast), Dax Sheppard (Arm Chair Expert podcast), and Kristen Bell who openly have talked about their mental health journey and the importance of GOING TO THERAPY!
Take Care of Each Other. Pay attention. Is there someone in your life, intimately or periphery, who is suffering/struggling/changing? Be the person who asks to help/talk/sit with another. Be the person who seeks those who are alone, and asks to be their friend. Honor space if someone is asking for space to process their emotions while making it clear you will always be there if they need someone to talk to, day or night. Be the friend you would like to have if you were struggling. I have been on both sides (client and psychotherapist) and believe it is only when we feel seen, when we feel supported & when we feel there is hope that we can move through even the most painful of experiences or emotions. Be the person another needs you to be. We are never too busy, to offer love and compassion, and support.
I do not have all the answers and can readily admit this. However, I do know this for sure: doing nothing and expecting something will change is nonsensical. Albert Einstein knew it way back when, and we do too. This awareness is, in part, what feels so frustrating to me in that we know doing nothing other than sending “thoughts and prayers” will effectively do nothing to stop the next mass shooting, the next drive-by, the next suicide, the next domestic dispute from happening. And yet, what are we doing?
Unlike the complicated mathematical equations Albert Einstein tirelessly worked to solve, this issue isn’t really that complex. We all know what needs to happen, so the question is….. who is brave enough and has the power and ability to stand up and DO THE RIGHT THINGS- taking the necessary steps to heal our nation, to heal the hearts and souls of the people of this magnificent world, and actually create a change that will put an end to this tragic, and avoidable, American phenomenon?
Who is up for this challenge?
Wishing you all Peace and Love and the Courage- to do SOMETHING!
for more exploration on this topic….as promised, my first book.
