Call for Action

We are grieving...

...and we want answers and action.

There are so many facets to these senseless acts. It's criminal. It's political. It's psychological. All of these require action...not just one. Through our mourning and outrage we will demand change. And change is necessary.

I imagine we will learn a great deal about this person in the coming hours, days, and weeks. I imagine we will hear that this individual was a loner. No close friends. No tight family bonds. Perhaps a fascination with social media but no real or healthy social connection. Perhaps this individual had a fascination with violent gaming or media content.

It's quite possible this individual had a diagnosed or even undiagnosed mental health condition. There were likely signs and symptoms present. Maybe no one picked up on those if this person had no real social or family connections. Perhaps this person had no one to support their access to treatment. Rural areas and minorities are often under-resourced, statistically speaking. It's likely this person was bullied for the way they looked or how they acted. Research shows this is more likely for those with gender identity differences, sexual orientation differences, and mental health conditions including neurodiversities. Their ability to be resilient and tolerate distress was likely limited for any combination of the above reasons.

Does this give us any peace? NO...absolutely not. Further, these possibilities are not an excuse...EVER for an act of senseless violence. But, they do offer an explanation that is certainly uncomfortable to hear.

We NEED to do better. Any action must consider EVERY facet of this problem. There is not just one solution. Mental health literacy must improve nationwide. Recognize signs and symptoms. Report and refer to resources and services. Improve access to treatment.

This is one, BIG part of a holistic solution.