School shootings in the U.S. are a significant problem nationwide. However, in my opinion, the more substantial issue is the mental health crisis and lack of access to mental health resources nationwide.
The problem persists mainly because mental health in the U.S. is often viewed as a disability, stigmatized, and surrounded by prejudice and discrimination. This prevents many individuals from seeking help, from beginning with, creates social isolation, and can lead to severe downstream effects, including physical violence, bullying, emotional instability, and even death. Many perpetrators of school shootings experience early childhood traumas, and many are victims of bullying and abuse. Coupled with potential underlying behavioral health issues, family and others either not recognizing a concern or being unable to deal with it, and access to care may lead to a sentinel event/crisis.
We need to change the view surrounding mental health and talk openly regarding mental health issues; normalize mental health and its treatment options; encourage equality with physical and mental health issues; and choose empowerment over shame. We need media outlets, including social media, to help normalize mental health issues. In recent years, many celebrities have become transparent and very vocal about personal mental health challenges, helping to de-stigmatize and normalize mental health. This is a start, but we need more awareness, acceptance, and action.
If research funds were assigned to mental health in the same manner, we would dedicate billions of dollars towards cancer research; perhaps it would lead to better treatment options. We need to ensure that early intervention and diagnosis occur; in addition, mental health issues need to be more broadly covered by insurance plans. For this to happen, we need to ensure that more Americans are insured, allowing them to seek care. Furthermore, there is a considerable need for more mental health professionals, including doctors, mid-level providers, psychologists, professional counselors, therapists, and social workers. Until these gaps are closed, individuals will not be able to get the help they need, and the mental health crisis in our country will only continue.
