We’ve added snark to the cycle of reaction to shootings. The horrible event would unfold; a nation expresses grief and shock; eventually we’d demand better “common sense laws” and then…when nothings happens we’d move on.

Only now before moving on we’re snarky…we’ll mock thoughts and prayers and throw up memes. Snark isn’t a solution it’s just a predictable response.

Mental health is the more winnable fight…focusing on mental illness and addiction. There’s already a lot of talented people actively working (from Chris Gethard to is his name Ted Coburn? Dude with the beard…), there’s openness to funding and it’s not polarizing like attacking gun owners. And so many who suffer who don’t go on murderous rampages.

We can save them.

But like let those battlegrounds become tv programs, or the news, in specific broadcast platforms…let talented people in controlled environments with access to resources and knowledge; in other words let the professionals handle that discussion. The classic we’ll take it from here.

Otherwise as we’ve seen it just becomes an exercise in narcissism and noise. With all things we’ve an awfully narcissistic track record on social media. That doesn’t help those who are suffering. It’s just hashtags and agendas.

It’s one of the primary reasons why we shouldn’t have mental health discussions on social media…we’re not good at em. We spread too much ignorance and talk with too much confidence on topics we’re not informed on. (We saw that in May 2018 when 2 NBA players DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love openly admitted their emotional and mental health struggles. It’s hard to be kind to a millionaire suffering from depression whose job is to play basketball!)

An environment should contribute to healing…a significant step towards recovery with strong support. We talk a lot we don’t do a lot. Talking may ease the suffering of some; it may even dilute the stigma of the harsh label but it’s not a long term effective strategy. Especially if the desire is to honestly save people and families from harm.

“Common sense laws” may not be doable this time around; mental health however is a winnable fight with a broader reach and impact on our communities.

If the front door is locked go into through the bathroom window.

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Also published on Medium.