The Mental Health Impact of Mass Shootings

The Effects on Survivors

Mass shootings are a uniquely American tragedy, and the survivors of these events are often left with lasting physical and emotional scars. According to a survey conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund (“Everytown”), 9 out of 10 gun violence survivors report experiencing trauma from the incident and more than half of those who had experienced gun violence within the last 12 months were most likely to rate the impact of trauma as a 5 out of 5.

This trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Survivors may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of places or situations that remind them of the shooting. In some cases, survivors may even develop physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension. The effects of mass shootings can be long-lasting and debilitating, and survivors often need specialized care to help them cope with their trauma.

Anxiety and depression are also common among survivors of mass shootings. These conditions can exhibit in a variety of ways, including difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and difficulty concentrating. Grief is another common reaction to mass shootings. Survivors may grieve the loss of loved ones, as well as the loss of their sense of safety and security.

In addition to these common mental health problems, survivors of mass shootings may also experience other conditions, such as:

• Dissociation: This is a feeling of detachment from oneself or one’s surroundings. Survivors of gun violence may feel like they are watching themselves from a distance, or that they are not really there.
• Hyperarousal: This is a state of increased alertness and sensitivity to stimuli. Survivors of gun violence may be easily startled or have difficulty relaxing.
• Avoidance: This is the tendency to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. Survivors of gun violence may avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the event.
• Substance abuse: This is the use of drugs or alcohol to cope with the trauma. Survivors of gun violence may use substances to numb their feelings or to escape from the reality of what happened.
• Self-harm: This is intentional injury to oneself. Survivors of gun violence may self-harm as a way to cope with the pain and trauma they are experiencing.

The Effects on the Community

The community at large can also be affected by the mental health impact of mass shootings. People who live in areas where mass shootings have occurred may experience increased fear and anxiety. They may also be more likely to avoid public places or engage in other behaviors that are meant to protect themselves from harm. In addition, the community may experience:

• Collective trauma: A shared experience of trauma that can affect the way people feel about themselves, their community, and the world.
• Social isolation: People may withdraw from social activities or relationships because they are afraid or traumatized.
• Economic hardship: Businesses may lose customers or employees due to the shooting, which can have a negative impact on the local economy.

Children experience these effects differently. Young children exposed to trauma are especially at risk, as their quickly growing brains are highly susceptible. Early childhood trauma has been linked to a reduction in the size of the brain cortex, a region responsible for various intricate functions such as memory, attention, awareness of perception, thinking, language, and consciousness. Such alterations can influence the child’s IQ and emotional regulation abilities. Consequently, the child might become more apprehensive, feeling less secure and protected.

Although, in the US, gun violence in schools is less than one percent of mass shootings, 75% of youth ages 15 to 21 cite mass shootings as a primary source of stress. Exposure to such violence, whether directly as witnesses or indirectly through media and community narratives, can create an undercurrent of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. This exposure not only affects the mental well-being of young individuals but can also have lasting impacts on their development, education, and social relationships.

In a society where safety should be a fundamental right, the prevalence of mass shootings undermines the sense of security for our youth, placing additional burdens on their ability to thrive and succeed. This alarming issue requires immediate attention and collaborative efforts to address the underlying causes, provide support to those affected, and foster a safer environment for the generations to come.

The Long-Term Impact

The mental health impact of mass shootings can be long-lasting. Survivors, witnesses, and the community at large may need years of therapy and support to cope with the trauma. It is important to remember that there is help available for those who are struggling. If you or someone you know has been affected by a mass shooting, please reach out for help.

What Can Be Done to Help?

There are a number of things that can be done to help survivors, witnesses, and the community at large cope with the mental health impact of mass shootings. These include:

• Providing access to mental health services: Survivors, witnesses, and the community at large should have access to mental health services, such as therapy and counseling. These services can help people to cope with the trauma of a mass shooting and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Creating safe spaces: It is important to create safe spaces where people can talk about their experiences and get support. This could include support groups, community centers, or faith-based organizations.
• Raising awareness: It is important to raise awareness about the mental health impact of mass shootings. This can help to break the stigma associated with mental illness and to encourage people to seek help if they need it.
• Advocating for Change: We need to work proactively to prevent mass shootings. This involves addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to mental health care.

It is important to note that addressing mental health issues is not a panacea for gun violence. However, it is an important part of the solution. By expanding access to mental health care, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, training mental health professionals to identify and assess risk for violence, developing and implementing early intervention programs, and supporting research on mental health and violence, we can help to reduce the frequency of mass shootings in America.

Symptom Media’s goal is to equip professionals and students with the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference in the lives of people with mental health disorders. By providing access to high-quality educational content, Symptom Media is helping to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and to promote better understanding of mental health disorders. To dive into the impact of mass shootings and gun violence on survivors in America further, check out this report from Everytown.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking help, and it could make all the difference. Here are some resources that can help:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

You are not alone.

Additional Resources

• The National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
• The American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/
• Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund: https://everytownsupportfund.org/