We Can All Help Make an Impact

I have been trying to decide what I wanted to say and how I could respond in any kind of a logical and meaningful way to the fear and reactions so many of our students have been facing as a result of the school shootings in our nation.  And here it is, several weeks after the Florida shooting and I still don't have any healing words.

But, I do think it is important that all of us recognize that even when we feel overwhelmed, scared or powerless, we are NOT alone and we DO have steps that we can take to help one another and we CAN make an impact.

This video by the Sandy Hook Promise is a bit chilling... but it is short and I hope you will watch it before we continue the conversation.

Here is the link.

What did you think?  I found it unsettling.  It is true though... we often see things up front and wonder if we should say something, if we should get involved, if we should trust our gut instinct, but then after the fact, it becomes easy to look back and think, "Oh yeah, I saw that" or "I knew this."  Unfortunately, as the video tried to explain, talking about it after the fact can be too late.  So, I think most of all, for me, this video served as a reminder that we ALL have a responsibility to try to help those around us who may be hurting, scared or contemplating violence and to help keep our school safe.

So, here are the two most important reminders...

- If you hear someone making a threat or someone writing a threat, report it to an adult. (See something or hear something then SAY something!)
- Remember that any one warning sign may not mean that something is wrong, but if it doesn't feel right, then it is always better to reach out to an adult to try to make sure that they receive the support they need/ deserve.

What are warning signs of people at risk of hurting themselves or others?  These are just a few that people may observe:
- Fascination or obsession with firearms and/ or mass shootings
- Difficulty controlling anger or regulating emotions may appear as over-reactions or aggressive behavior for seemingly minor reasons
- Sudden change in academic performance, withdrawing from family or friends, and/or disinterest in areas that they used to enjoy
- Victims of bullying or feeling picked on or persecuted by others
- Isolation or social withdrawal
- Access to firearms
- Making threats of violence
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Previous suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, or self-harm
- Major changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Dramatic changes in physical appearance
- Giving away possessions
- Severe destruction of property
- Access/ use and prevalence of drugs and alcohol/ substance abuse

Again, because it bears repeating... if it doesn't seem right, say something!  80% of school shooters told someone of their violent plans prior to the event.  70% of people who complete suicide told someone of their plans or gave some type of warning or indication.