Images of mass shootings have psychological effects on children and adults

Last year, dozens were killed when a gunman opened fire on a nightclub in Orlando. This past May, a bomber attacked an Ariana Grande concert in the U.K. On Sunday, Jason Aldean was on a Las Vegas stage when people thought the noise they heard was fireworks, but later learned it was gunfire.

Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker said these tough images are hard to avoid, and they’re becoming the norm. How are these constant images impacting adults and their children with so many of these deadly mass attacks occurring?

"We've got a bit of a toxic environment going on where people seem to think it's OK to act out in violent ways," Swecker said.

He said constantly seeing images of these hateful acts is taking a toll on everyone -- whether directly impacted by the event or not.

"Collectively, I think we're becoming very cynical, and maybe rightfully so about the people who do this and the fact that they're among us," Swecker said.

These feelings are also trickling down to children. On Monday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools made counseling available to students and staff who wanted to talk about their feelings -- from fear to sadness.

Eyewitness News Anchor Stephanie Maxwell talked to Lisa Newman, the Crisis Response Specialist for CMS, who said schools are often a reflection of our communities. She said when the community is grieving, so are the people inside schools.

Newman said continuous exposure to events like this can cause extra stress and health problems for anyone. More than anything, Swecker said another mass attack is a reminder that people can never let their guard down anywhere.

"I just think we need to have a total awareness of our situation at all times,” Swecker said. “Self-defense classes are out there. They teach you to be aware, not afraid…not to be afraid to go out the front door."

Eyewitness News anchor Stephanie Maxwell will have a full report on the psychological effects of mass shootings on Channel 9 starting at 5 p.m.

Read more of our coverage on the tragic Las Vegas shooting on wsoctv.com:

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