Orlando: Responding to the tragedy of evil violence.
/As I read the news of the tragedy that unfolded in Orlando on Sunday, I found myself reading article after article in shock and disbelief. I kept saying out loud, "not another shooting!" Soon I was at a loss for words, and sat in silence staring at pictures as my computer screen went to black. There were no words that could adequately describe the atrocity that occurred, and the feelings welling up inside me.
Painting by Alexis Burt of AMB Home Design
I began to think about the family members, the friends, the partners that were called in the middle of the night. Those who frantically rushed to the hospital to hold their loved ones hand, to be there when they woke up from surgery, or to say good-bye. Tears began to fall as I mourned with, and for those who have lost.
President Obama has described this as an "act of terror and an act of hate." This violence is also an act of evil and complete disregard for all humanity, and human dignity. In my anger, I wonder how many more people need to suffer?! How many more people need to die before something changes?! When will the violence and evil stop? How can it be stopped?
Photo by Jere Keys #WeAreOrlando
People from all around the world are standing in solidarity with those in Orlando, this has impacted us all. This single event has united the world in a way that has shown great compassion, concern, and love. It is in this space that healing from the tragedy of evil violence can begin.
Here are some resources to help communicate your experience.
NIMH- coping with traumatic events
NIMH- parents helping children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters
PBS- parents talking with kids about violence and news
Dustin Shultz, LMFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and adjunct faculty at Azusa Pacific University. I have experience working with teens, men, women, and couples, and have had success with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality, divorce, affairs, cutting, grief, shame, stress, and life transitions. I help people live more authentically and embrace life.