health

The Advice I Hope You’ll Never Need

I survived two school shootings. This is what I learned.

The Advice I Hope You’ll Never Need

TL;DR

  • Surviving trauma, such as school shootings, looks different for everyone, and definitions of 'survivor' vary widely.
  • Trauma's effects are nuanced and can appear in subtle, often unrecognized ways beyond dramatic flashbacks or triggers.
  • Moving beyond questions of 'why me' towards understanding systemic violence can offer more hope and a path to action.
  • Connecting with other survivors, through support groups or advocacy, can combat the isolation often felt after such events.
  • Giving oneself grace and acknowledging that recovery is not linear is essential for managing the ongoing effects of trauma.