ATLANTA — How do you process or rationalize mass shootings when two of them happen within a week? It’s a question many psychologists say doesn’t have an easy or simple answer.
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On the heels of eight people shot and killed in three Metro Atlanta spas and 10 more shot and killed in a Boulder, Colorado grocery store, Channel 2 Action News reporter Audrey Washington spoke with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Rebecca Osei about how people can come to grips with these incidents.
Osei said it should not be seen as unusual for people to anxious right now and be fearful of public places.
“There is potentially more risk now being out than there was a year ago when we saw lower numbers, just baseline in general, when it came to violent crimes. You want to control the things you can control and really live your life. Not let the things you can’t control keep you indoors and afraid,” Osei said.
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Just a couple of days ago, Channel 2 Action News spoke with the husband of a victim in the Asian Spa shooting incidents. Both he and his wife were at Young’s Asian Massage in Cherokee County when the gunman burst inside and started shooting.
He survived, his wife did not.
Osei said he and others who witnessed these horrific incidents may have to navigate their way through what she called “survivors guilt.”
“When you were almost a victim it can be really hard to balance in your mind, ‘Why wasn’t it me? why was I spared?’ And people really do struggle with that. You don’t need to justify your worth for surviving,” Osei said.
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Osei emphasized the importance of being honest but sensitive when talking to anyone who might be impacted by these events. She stresses for children, it’s vital for parents to not avoid the topic.
Osei said for kids who are scared or anxious after hearing about these things, parents need to reassure their children it is perfectly alright to go outside and live their lives.
