A Sad Fact of Life in the United States
Sadly, another shooting is not new, but the venue is. People celebrating a Super Bowl win. The United States (US) has a higher rate of gun violence than other developed countries. Several factors contribute to this, including the high number of guns in the country, the ease of obtaining guns, and cultural factors that normalize gun violence.
According to the Small Arms Survey, the US has the highest number of civilian-owned guns per capita in the world. There are an estimated 120.5 firearms per 100 people in the US. This is more than double the rate of the next highest country, Yemen, which has 58.7 firearms per 100 people.
Coping with the pervasiveness of violence in the US can be incredibly challenging, and sadly there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But, some strategies can help you navigate the emotional toll and engage in positive action:
Individual Strategies:
Acknowledge and express your feelings: Allow yourself to feel your emotions, whether sadness, anger, or fear. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist, or joining a support group can help process these emotions.
Limit exposure to graphic content: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to violent news and images can be overwhelming. Take breaks from social media and news, and focus on consuming positive content.
Engage in self-care activities: Prioritize activities promoting physical and mental well-being. This could include exercise, meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques: Activities like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and focusing on your senses can help manage anxiety and stress.
Connect with your community: Find positive ways to connect with your community and engage in activities that promote peace and understanding. You could volunteer with organizations working on violence prevention, participate in peaceful protests, or simply have conversations with neighbors and friends.
Shared Strategies:
Advocate for change: Get involved in organizations working on gun control, mental health reform, poverty reduction, and other systemic issues contributing to violence. You can contact your elected officials, participate in rallies, or donate to relevant causes.
Educate yourself and others: Learn more about the root causes of violence and potential solutions. Sharing accurate information and engaging in civil discussions can help counter misinformation and promote understanding.
Support victims and survivors: Donate to organizations that support victims of violence, or volunteer your time to offer emotional support and practical assistance.
Remember, like it or not coping with the reality of gun violence has become an unrelenting process, and it’s important to be kind to yourself. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
