Today in the city where I live there was a mass shooting. The city is Louisville Kentucky USA. A disgruntled employee who was apparently fired on Friday, came into his former employer, a bank and live-streamed his violent act on social media after he had made foreshadowing statements to his friends.
Mass killings are not a new phenomenon. They have been happening since humanity started. They continue to happen despite societies trying to legislate safety and civility.
Starting with September 11, 2001 there has been a focus on suicide bombers. People, who were particular jihadists wearing bombs, going into crowded public settings and killing others in the process. That was happening primarily in the middle east.
Here in the United States, mass killings continue to be a conundrum because this it is supposed to be one of the richest and most comfortable societies. There are too many to talk about in the past decade. The liberal gun laws that the US has are frequently blamed as the cause. Guns are a political hot potato and I will only mention it but you are entitled to your opinion about guns.
Detached analysis aside. The shooting happened here. When you see or read it on the news, you can detach with the turn of the dial, swipe of the screen or a click of the mouse.
Here in my city, here and now. It is hard to detach. If it were someplace else, it being the 146th mass shooting in the United States in 2023 would feel different because I could turn the dial. But it is my city and I cannot get away from it because everywhere I went, people were talking about it. I can tell in myself and others that today has taken a toll on us. My son hangs out with some of his friends in the neighborhood where the shooting happened. Dad here had to call his son to make sure he was alright. I most thankful that he answered on the second ring to tell me he was in his dorm room studying for his test to happen within the hour. I was relieved.
Otherwise. It is a shock. It shocks harder and deeper because it is close. Shock is normal because such events disrupt everything about our world.
Furthermore, it is typical for people to experience a variety of emotions following a traumatic event. These feelings can include shock, sorrow, numbness, fear, anger, disillusionment, grief, and others.
You may find that you have trouble sleeping, concentrating, eating, or remembering even simple tasks. This is common and should pass after a while. It may take a few days or weeks, but it goes back to normal.
How should you cope.
Do self care. You cannot be of service to others if you are unstable. Monitor all of your physical health needs - being sure to eat, sleep, exercise, and (if possible) maintain a normal daily routine. Engage in diversions that actually repair and rejuvenate you versus stuff that depletes you.
Pay attention to your emotional health. Remember that a wide range of feelings during these difficult times are common. Know that others are also experiencing emotional reactions and may need your time and patience to put their feelings and thoughts in order.
Try to recognize when you or those around you may need extra support. It is not uncommon for individuals of all ages to experience stress reactions when exposed (even through media) to shootings or mass violence. Changes in eating and sleeping habits, energy level, and mood are important signs of distress. Watch for regressed behaviors, such as clinging in children and intense emotional reactions, such as anxiety or a strong need for retribution in adults. When necessary, point individuals to licensed professional counselors who can provide needed support.
Avoid overexposure to media. While it is important to stay informed, media portrayals of shootings and mass deaths have been shown to cause acute stress and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Limit your exposure and take a break from news sources.
Maintain contact with friends and family. These individuals can provide you with e