Gun Violence, Mental Health, and Trauma: My Journey from Sandy Hook to Lift Wellness

On December 14, 2012, my life, along with so many others, changed forever. I was in sixth grade, just down the street from Sandy Hook Elementary School, when the tragedy unfolded. I felt the profound shockwave of terror and grief that rippled through my community. That day was a turning point, and its echoes have shaped my understanding of gun violence, trauma, and mental health in ways I could have never imagined.

Now, years later, I work at Lift Wellness Group, a company dedicated to advocating for and helping people heal from trauma in several ways. The path that brought me here is deeply rooted in my experiences with trauma of my own. 

Over time, I have come to realize that gun violence doesn’t just affect those who are physically present; it affects entire communities, and it leaves scars on mental health that may not be visible but are just as real as any physical wound.

The Impact of Gun Violence

I remember the lockdown vividly. At first, no one knew what was happening. Our teachers, who were clearly shaken, told us to stay quiet and calm, but the tension in the room was palpable. We later learned that a gunman had entered Sandy Hook Elementary and taken the lives of 20 first-graders and six educators. The shock was indescribable. Those children and educators were our neighbors, our friends, and part of our community. It was a blow that rippled through our entire town and far beyond.

As a 6th grader, I couldn’t fully process what was happening. I wasn’t in the building, but I felt the weight of the tragedy all the same. The idea that such violence could happen in our quiet, close-knit community shattered any sense of safety or normalcy. At that age, you believe your school is a safe space. But after that day, the world felt different—more dangerous, more unpredictable. This emphasized how gun violence leaves a particular imprint on the mind. It doesn’t just claim lives—it claims one's sense of safety, trust, and stability.

I vividly remember the sense of fear that lingered long after the initial shock. Simple things like returning to school, sitting in classrooms, or hearing loud noises could trigger anxiety. This is something I've learned is called hypervigilance—a state of constantly scanning for danger, even when it's not there. It’s a common response for people exposed to trauma, and for many children in Newtown, this became the new normal.

Gun violence, whether experienced firsthand or nearby, erodes our mental health in ways that we often don’t fully comprehend until much later. It can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and an overwhelming sense of loss. I didn’t understand it then, but looking back now, I see how my own mental health was affected by that day. The world no longer felt safe, and that realization can be crushing for someone who is 11 years old.

The Path to Healing and Lift Wellness

My own path to healing has been long and, at times, overwhelming. The trauma I experienced in the wake of Sandy Hook, amongst other personal experiences, didn’t necessarily disappear as I grew older. It lingered, showing up in subtle ways—anxiety in crowded spaces, a constant need to check exits, and an underlying sense of fear that was hard to shake. This personal journey is what eventually led me to my work at Lift Wellness.

In our work, we focus on addressing trauma in all its forms, but gun violence is a recurring theme. Too many people—children, parents, teachers, and first responders—are living with the invisible scars of these horrific events. I wanted to be part of the solution, to help others heal the way I’ve been able to. I know firsthand the weight that trauma places on your shoulders and how important it is to find a way to release that weight.

Our team offers a variety of trauma-informed services, from therapy and counseling to community outreach and education. The goal is to provide support not just in the immediate aftermath of trauma but also for the long haul. Healing is a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. For many, it requires ongoing care and a community of people who understand and validate the experiences of those affected by gun violence.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the transformation that occurs when people feel supported. Trauma has a way of making you feel isolated, like no one could possibly understand what you’re going through. But when you’re surrounded by people who have experienced something similar, there’s a sense of connection and validation that can be incredibly healing. We strive to create that space for people—whether they’ve been directly affected by gun violence or are grappling with other forms of trauma.

Why We Must Address Both Gun Violence and Mental Health

We also need to talk openly about the ways gun violence impacts mental health. Too often, the conversation is centered around political debates, but at the heart of this issue are real people—children, families, entire communities—who are living with the ongoing trauma of these events. Addressing gun violence is not just about preventing the next tragedy; it’s about helping those who have already lived through one.

At Lift Wellness Group, I’ve found a place where I can not only help others heal but continue to heal myself. The work we do is a reminder that while trauma can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to define us. With the right support, people can rebuild their lives, find peace, and regain a sense of safety. My journey from that day in Sandy Hook to where I am now is proof of that.

And so, I continue this work—not just because I am passionate about advocating for those struggling with mental health, but because I believe in the power of community, empathy, and healing. 

Gun violence may leave scars, but together, we can find a way forward.

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