Today I led a workshop on Adverse Childhood Experiences where some of my slides discussed trauma informed schools and creating safe spaces for children who may be experiencing adversity in their home. I was leading this workshop the day after yet another school shooting where innocent lives were lost, a community was traumatized and survivors will never be the same.
The irony is too much and it’s been hard to hold all day.
The numbers are the numbers.
Since 2018 the number of mass shootings has been rising to include over 2,000 incidents in the last five years.
So far in 2022, we have experienced 42 mass shootings – putting us on track to exceed 2021 data.
Since 2014 over 1800 minors have died from accidental gun death.
School shootings are at the highest number in history.
62% of gun deaths in the US are suicides
Gun violence is now the number one killer of youth aged 11-18 – surpassing trauma and accident.
And every time, some want to change the dialogue to focus on mental health. Yet a VERY small percentage of people managing a mental health challenge engage in violent behavior – about 4% actually. Most are victims of crime themselves. So while those managing mental health challenges are re-stigmatized – making them more vulnerable and less likely to ask for the help they may need – nothing is done about the guns.
The neglect and inaction of leaders are brutality. Knowing … knowing … there is a gun crisis in this country and doing nothing about it is trauma. Sending “thoughts and prayers” in a Tweet while not coming to the table to talk about potential solutions is cruelty and offense to those left behind.
If you are feeling sad, overwhelmed and heartbroken – you are not alone. And if you are also angry, frustrated and ready to hold people accountable – you are not alone. Guns are killing us. Guns are killing our children. Being complacent is no longer a viable option.
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If you are experiencing stress or feel you are in crisis during this time – please look to the Cypress Resource Page on our website. We have search platforms for finding a therapist, crisis hotline numbers and resources to support with grief. https://www.cypressresilience.org/resources
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