America has a mental-health crisis and it also has a gun problem. But are the two related? The complicated, fraught connection between gun violence and mental health: ‘We have to be very careful how we talk about the link between the two’
On Tuesday afternoon, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a Texas elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, about 85 miles west of San Antonio, killing at least 19 children, two adults, and injuring others.
“People with mental-health issues are more likely to be victims than perpetrators,” said Chethan Sathya, a pediatric trauma surgeon and director of Northwell Health’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention, headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y. “‘Increasingly, we are seeing people who are frustrated, angry and hateful and using firearms to take that out on a particular group.’”
Clearly, not everyone with mental-health issues are carrying out mass shootings. To put that in context: One in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. But could you really say that those who commit mass shootings are in a stable emotional or mental state? “‘I think we can all agree that a person with a serious mental-health problem should not have access to a gun.’”
But prevention can also start at home. “I think we can all agree that a person with a serious mental-health problem should not have access to a gun. That’s where ‘red flag’ laws come into play,” she said. A witness would then alert authorities to that person’s possession of a firearm, or intention to buy one. “That responsibility will lie on teachers, physicians, social workers, families, friends,” Sathya said. “Families are often the first people to notice issues.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mental Health First Aid helps adults identify and assist children experiencing mental health crisesEven children are learning to speak up about their struggles but sometimes grown-ups don't know how to help.
Read more »
School counselors sound cry for help after Buffalo shootingA surge in student mental health needs, combined with staff shortages and widespread episodes of misbehavior and violence, has put extraordinary strain on school counselors and psychologists.
Read more »
You'll Want To Borrow This TikTok Teacher's Mental Health Advice For KidsEven little kids can struggle with mental health issues. Here are three easily replicated ways one pre-K teacher prioritizes young people's mental health.
Read more »
Mental Health Awareness Month: 14 Celebrities That Are Vocal About Their Mental Health Struggles“The reason I want to be open about it is because I hope to do my small part in maybe making people feel like they’re less alone—to show that everyone deals with this, and it’s normal and OK to ask for help.'-Annie Murphy mentalhealthawarenessmonth
Read more »