Unfortunately, there are so many tragedies happening in the United States, that many people have become desensitized. Sadly, in the five months of 2022, there have already been 213 mass shootings. As a result of the incredibly high number of mass shootings, 17,000 people, and 650 of this number were innocent children had their lives cut short. For an incident to be considered a mass shooting, four or more people are shot, injured, or killed, but these are typically a larger number of people.

On Tuesday, May 24th, a mass shooting took place at an elementary school in Texas. Nineteen innocent children and two adult teachers were killed. Tuesday was marked the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. According to reports from CNN, the gunman performed this heinous act alone. Before the 18-year-old high school dropout went to the elementary school, he shot his grandmother, allegedly texted a 15-year-old girl in Germany about his plans for the elementary school, and then took his grandmother’s truck to head to the school to carry out his deranged plans.

Gun violence is not something new in the United States but has been a problem for decades. In 1987, after a British gunman killed 16 people, the country banned semiautomatic weapons, which was the weapon that was used. After a school shooting in 1996, the country proceeded in the same manner and banned most handguns. At this time and after several bans, the country has one of the lowest gun-related deaths in the developed world.

Australia acted with gun-related violence and deaths after a massacre in 1996. The country prompted a mandatory gun buyback. It has been estimated as many as one million firearms were melted down making them useless and not deadly. The occurrence of mass shootings has decreased from once every 18 months to once every 26 years.

Our Canadian neighbors have also taken action against gun violence. Following a mass shooting 33 years ago in 1989, Canada tightened their gun laws. Other countries such as Germany in 2002, New Zealand in 2019, and Norway last year also tightened their gun laws.

With the levels of gun violence and innocent lives lost in the United States, something needs to change. Too many are caught up in their 2nd amendment right to see the bigger and more critical issues. Everyone wants their right to bear arms upheld, but what about the innocent people who lost their life’s right to a safe life?

I do realize that mental health in the United States is neglected, but something can be done about gun laws. We can hardly watch the news without hearing about shooting somewhere. There are innocent lives lost and families affected daily. Mental health and gun laws need to be narrowed and changed immediately. In the United States, we must worry about children going to school, going to the grocery store, movie theater, or anywhere outside the safety of our homes! Are we going to wait to fight for change until it hits close to home and someone we love is killed by a mentally unstable gunman?

It has taken me several days to be able to put this post out because it is extremely emotional. I could not read through the different news reports about this because it kept bring tears to my eye. I cannot imagine what the families that lost children and loved ones are going through. There is no logical reason for the recent issues that took place in Texas, and most are left to ask, was this man mentally ill? If this 18-year-old had gotten the help needed, would the 21 people killed still be alive? The 18-year-old gun man’s family was in shock he would shoot the grandmother he loved in the face or kill 19 innocent children and 2 teachers. The information I found was based on CNN who spoke to the mother of the disturbed 18-year-old.

Regardless of anyone’s views on what should happen with gun control, we can all probably agree that the mental health of everyone needs to be addressed. Many people feel ashamed of any mental instabilities they may have and will cause them to avoid getting the help needed out of fear of rejection and negative judgments. No one in this world is perfect and sometimes we may need help. Please if you know anyone that is struggling, help them find a professional that can help them get adequate help. I understand how difficult it can be to admit needing help, but the following website offers different types of help https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help.

Thank you for visiting my site today. I know how hard it is to read what I shared, but it is important to know what is going on in the country. Yes, it is depressing and tragic, but there is help. Even if we know someone that is struggling, we can try listening to the person, but when it is more urgent than anything you can do and it is too crucial to wait, you can call 911. Feel free to leave comments and I will respond as soon as I am able to. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa