Feb. 23, 2018
What happens to those who survive? This question lingers in my mind, particularly after a shooting incident. Once the immediate chaos subsides and the devastation is apparent, we often overlook the survivors. These individuals extend beyond the injured in hospitals; they include those who were present—students, teachers, and witnesses to the horror unfolding before them.
Their lives have irrevocably changed. In a school of over 3,000 individuals, the tragic loss of 17 lives reverberates through an entire community. The impact is felt far and wide, affecting countless families and friends. How do these young individuals return to a semblance of normalcy? Their “normal” is now tainted with the darkness of what they have witnessed, a burden they will carry for years to come.
Consider the students whose minds and bodies are still growing. How do they process the trauma that now clouds their thoughts? Can they easily transition back into their daily routines? Personally, I find it hard to believe that anyone could simply move on without being deeply affected. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be just as destructive as a bullet wound.
Who is responsible for providing the necessary therapy for these survivors? What about the long-term mental health support they will need? Many may find themselves relying on medication to cope with anxiety and depression, while others might seek solace in alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication. Tragically, some may even succumb to survivor’s guilt or engage in reckless behavior, thinking, “If the shooter didn’t take me, nothing can.”
The ramifications of such tragedies extend beyond the immediate loss of life. They create ripples that can reach every corner of society—impacting students, parents, and teachers alike. For educators, the burden is heavy. How can they instill hope and safety in their classrooms while grappling with the fear of future violence?
My husband, a veteran with 28 years in the Navy, now teaches middle school. My concern for his well-being is perhaps greater now than during his military service. Teaching should be a safe profession, yet with two children in elementary school, I feel anxiety each time I receive a phone call during school hours.
Survivors must navigate a world where fear lingers, knowing another shooting could occur at any moment. They are left to grapple with the knowledge that even if changes are enacted, real transformations take time. The belief that the right to bear arms is more important than human lives perpetuates a cycle of violence that sees over 33,000 individuals die from gun violence annually—many of whom are suicides. The reality is stark: mass shootings now plague schools, concerts, and public spaces. How do survivors carve out meaningful lives amid such uncertainty?
While we often focus on the victims and their untimely deaths, we must also acknowledge the profound effects on the survivors. Years down the line, how many will struggle with addiction? How many will withdraw from society due to trauma? The aftermath of these events can leave deep scars, complicating relationships and hindering personal growth. Many may find therapy inaccessible, as mental health care can be harder to obtain than firearms.
Once we lay the victims to rest and the case against the shooter is concluded, we cannot forget about those who remain. The thoughts of their struggles weigh heavily on my mind. I find myself worrying not just about my family but about all families. We must pay attention to the survivors of mass shootings, understanding the long-term implications of such trauma.
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In summary, the stories of survivors need to be heard. Their experiences shape our communities, and we must recognize the long-lasting effects of trauma on their lives. Understanding their struggles is essential in fostering a society that can heal and ultimately advocate for change.