Coping with Gun Violence
Gun violence (mass shootings, homicide, violent crime, attempted suicide, suicide, or unintentional death and injury) can have deep and lasting traumatic effects.
This is especially true in community violence – when you are exposed to intentional acts of interpersonal violence committed in public areas by individuals who are not intimately related to the victim. Unfortunately, many people are living with trauma from shootings or in fear of a future one. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions in response to violence, and the following tips are intended to help you cope as you navigate your feelings.
Be proactive: Creating a safety strategy
The looming threat of gun violence can feel out of our control much of the time. Having a preparedness plan can help you cope better with your emotions and make you feel more in control and ready for the unpredictable. Use the tips below to plan ways to support your safety and mental health:
- Make strong community connections to create a support system.
- Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and increase awareness.
- Develop coping skills that suit your needs, such as mindfulness techniques, deep breathing, tapping, or exercise.
- Create a safety and connection plan.
- Get familiar with resources such as How to Respond to an Active Shooter.
- Encourage mental health screenings and seek professional help if needed.
Supporting others: Tips for family and friends
When someone you care about is dealing with complex feelings after gun violence, empathy and support from others can make a big difference. Actively listening to their experiences, providing words of comfort, and encouraging open dialogue not only fosters a sense of support but also communicates an understanding of their struggles. The following tips can help you better support those who have experienced gun violence:
- Encourage open and honest communication.
- Be a supportive listener without judgment.
- Encourage seeking professional help for trauma and mental health concerns.
- Provide information on available resources, such as support groups, therapy, or community care services.
- Understand that individuals cope differently.
- Offer support without pushing someone to talk or engage in activities they're not comfortable with.
Resources
Victim, survivor, and second-hand trauma resources
There is a wide range of resources available to those who have been victims of gun violence and for those who may be experiencing secondhand traumatic stress.
SAMHSA: Incidents of mass violence
Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting
Help for victims and survivors of gun violence
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Understanding fear and trauma
The trauma of living through gun violence can be complicated by other types of trauma, like intergenerational, historical, or racial trauma.
Grief and anger
Tragedies involving gun violence can be particularly hard to cope with because they're so far beyond our individual control. Feeling frustrated, demoralized, or at a loss on how to move forward is common.
Dealing with traumatic online and news content
It can feel impossible to escape the constant stream of images, videos, and news coverage when there is an incident of mass violence. Social media and online platforms can be hotspots for misinformation, hostile arguments, and graphic content that you aren't necessarily expecting to see.
Supporting youth
We can't protect young people from knowing what's happening in the world, but we can help them make sense of it. Depending on their age, they're already hearing about current events in school or on social media and really need an adult to help them fact-check and understand what is happening. If they're too young to find the information on their own, it's still likely that they're picking up on the tension that adults in their lives are feeling.
Talking to kids about fear and violence
Helping children cope with tragedy-related anxiety
Helping children cope with loss
Social media and youth mental health
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Connecting with community
Gun violence oftentimes harms certain communities more than others. Many people see and feel hate against their country, race, culture, religion, or other identities. Connecting with others who feel a similar impact of the crisis can provide you with a sense of validation, belonging, and safety during a scary time.
Connecting with your community
While these resources are a starting point, it's likely that you'll find support more relevant to your own experience through resources created by your community, for your community.
Self-care during direct advocacy work
In times of devastation, many people find helping others to be one of the best ways to support their own mental health. Taking action can reduce feelings of helplessness, but it can also be difficult to face the same heavy topic over and over again.
Racism, discrimination, and identity-based hate
Incidents of gun violence can be political and intersectional - and, unfortunately, may drive hate speech and direct community and/or interpersonal conflict. As identity groups become targeted in response to incidents of violence, it's essential to know your rights and options.
Sexual assault and domestic violence
In the U.S., more than half of all intimate partner homicides involve a firearm, and two-thirds of women killed by an intimate partner are killed with a gun. If you or someone in your life is facing domestic violence, abuse, or sexual assault, know that there is help out there, and you deserve safety.
Sexual assault and mental health
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-565-HOPE