The regularity of mass shootings is razing Americans’ mental health—heightening stress and dulling compassion in ways that demand broader concern, engagement, and change.
As mass shootings repeatedly erupt in schools, grocery stores, and other establishments we visit every week, Americans are living in fear. For children and teens, whose mental health is already in crisis, the ongoing backdrop of violence is steadily eroding the sense of well-being, safety, and efficacy known to be essential for healthy development.
On top of recent surges in depression, anxiety, and suicides, a majority of teens now say they worry about a shooting happening at their school (Pew Research Center, 2018). Those concerns have been linked with elevated anxiety levels and fear among students (O’Brien, C., & Taku, K., Personality and Individual Differences, Vol. 186, 2022). Meanwhile, clinical psychologists, including Erika Felix, PhD, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, say the young people they treat are on high alert, constantly planning their escape route if violence breaks out in […]
Stephan, your #s must be a mistake — typos maybe? I refuse to believe over 10,000 have died by gunshot in the past 88 days, nor that over 7,000 have been wounded. Also, the article from the APA you link to is from last September. There must be more recent information. What gives? Usually I trust your reports without question.
Peter —
The numbers come from the Gun Archive, which is the recognized datasource for these numbers. https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/ Go look for yourself.
— Stephan
I believe every word you said , Stephan. And add that anyone does not believe that guns are not the problem is an Idiot!