SURVIVOR RESOURCES

Surviving a mass shooting is an experience that can change the way the world feels — sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually. If you are reading this, you may be carrying memories, emotions, or physical responses that feel overwhelming, confusing, or even isolating. Please know this: you are not alone.

Trauma can affect every part of a person — mind, body, and spirit. Some survivors experience symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, or numbness. Others may struggle with grief, depression, difficulty sleeping, or turning to substances as a way to cope. There is no single “right” way to respond to something so profoundly distressing.

Healing is possible and support exists in many forms. Therapy offers a safe confidential space to process your experience at your own pace, with a trained professional who understands trauma. Specialized approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help the brain reprocess painful memories so they feel less overwhelming. Support groups can connect you with others who truly understand what you have been through. For those navigating substance use, addiction support services provide compassionate, judgement-free care focused on recovery and stability.

Reaching out for help can feel difficult — sometimes even impossible — but it can also be a powerful step toward reclaiming a sense of safety and control. You deserve care that honors your story, respects your pace, and supports your healing.

Wherever you are in your journey, please remember: your reactions are valid, your pain matters, and there are people and resources ready to walk alongside you. You do not have to carry this alone.