How Gun Violence and Politics Are Impacting Mental Health — and What We Can Do About It

Kids are afraid to go to school, parents feel helpless, teachers are overwhelmed, and communities are worn out by constant headlines about shootings and political conflicts. It’s no wonder many of us feel anxious, tense, or even hopeless.

These stories are not isolated incidents. They are shared experiences nationwide. Families are exhausted from the constant barrage of news about shootings. Political disputes are tearing communities apart. Teachers are grappling with the challenge of keeping children safe while managing their own emotional well-being.

We’re living in a time where the profound impact of gun violence and political division on mental health is undeniable. It's leaving people anxious, restless, and uncertain about what’s to come. This is a call to action, a plea for understanding and support.

What we’re experiencing isn’t just “stress.” It’s a mental health crisis driven by two major forces: gun violence and political unrest. The good news? Understanding why we feel this way, and what we can do about it, is the first step towards regaining a sense of control. We have the power to cope and heal.

Why So Many Are Feeling This Way

Gun Violence, Especially in Schools

Tragically, firearms have become the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. This is a sobering statistic that underscores the severity of the issue.

Even kids who aren’t directly involved in shootings can struggle with nightmares, panic, and depression just from hearing about or practicing lockdown drills.

For kids, the idea of school being unsafe is no longer unthinkable; it’s a reality.

• Guns are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S.
  

• Even children not directly involved in shootings can suffer panic, nightmares, and depression from constant drills or media coverage.
  

• Research shows communities affected by school shootings face long-term setbacks: higher antidepressant use, lower test scores, and even lower future earnings.

Political Stress and Division

It isn’t just the violence; the political climate itself is taking a toll. According to the American Psychological Association, politics has become one of the most significant stressors for adults. People report lost sleep, increased anxiety, and strained relationships during election years. 

Women and young people, especially LGBTQ+ youth, are reporting higher rates of depression and anxiety tied directly to today’s political climate.

It’s typical for election years to bring spikes in anxiety, insomnia, and relationship strain; however, the pervasiveness of discourse and ubiquity of the violence is brewing a deep mental health crisis among kids and parents, who are only seeking ways to ensure safety and preparedness for the world, now and in the future.

Why It Makes Sense That Mental Health is Impacted from Politics and Gun Violence

If you’re anxious, hopeless, or even angry, you’re not overreacting. Psychologists point to a few reasons why:

1. Constant Threat Exposure: The human brain perceives danger, even from screens, as if it were close by.

   
   

2. Loss of Safety: Schools and politics, once considered protective, now often seem unstable.

   
   

3. Isolation: Discussing politics can lead to conflicts, causing many individuals to hide their fears.

   
   

4. Cumulative Stress: For communities dealing with inequality or historical trauma, current crises add to their existing burdens.

   
   

What Can Help: Turning Fear Into Strength and Healing

Feeling powerless is one of the most challenging aspects of coping with constant bad news. However, research shows that when people take small, meaningful steps, through family connections, school support, community action, or policy change, they can regain a sense of safety, hope, and agency.

Here's what it can look like:

• Talk Openly and Validate Feelings

  Kids need to know it’s okay to feel scared, sad, or confused. Instead of saying, “Don’t worry about it,” try: “I feel scared sometimes too. Here’s what helps me…” This normalizes emotions and builds trust.

• Create Safe Routines and Rituals

  Consistency, such as family meals, bedtime stories, and weekend walks, offers a sense of grounding. Rituals like gratitude check-ins, lighting candles for peace, or journaling together remind kids that steadiness can be found even in uncertain times.

  
  

• Take Media Breaks Together

  Families can set “no-news times” (before bed, at meals) and replace them with uplifting activities, such as reading, listening to music, or engaging in creative projects. This teaches kids the balance between staying informed and protecting their mental health.

  
  

• Focus on Comfort and Connection

  Affection, attunement, and small sensory comforts (hugs, weighted blankets, calming playlists) help children regulate stress. Knowing they are safe in your presence creates a substantial buffer against external chaos.

  
  

• Transform Fear Into Action

  Families can channel worry into empowerment by writing letters to officials, joining local safety campaigns, or volunteering. These small steps teach kids that their voices matter and that change is possible.

  
  

• Create a Family “Coping Menu”

  Together, brainstorm a list of calming and energizing activities, such as drawing, sports, meditation, storytelling, or baking. Let each family member choose what works best when stress rises.

  
  

How Schools Can Help Kids and Staff Cope with Current Events’ Stress

• Trauma-Informed Training

  Teachers equipped with trauma-informed strategies can spot early warning signs (withdrawal, aggression, panic) and respond with compassion rather than punishment.

• Safe and Balanced Drills

  Instead of terrifying simulations, schools can focus on clear safety steps combined with reassurance: “Here’s what we do to stay safe. Here’s who will help us.”

• Peer Support Programs

  Student-led clubs, mentoring, and peer counseling normalize asking for help and create safe spaces for sharing.

• Creative Coping Spaces

  Schools can designate calming corners with art supplies, journals, and stress balls, signals that emotional health matters just as much as grades.

Key Takeaway: Coping isn’t just about “getting through.” It’s about building safety, reclaiming voice, and finding strength together. From family rituals to school initiatives, from community art to youth-led advocacy, every effort contributes to collective healing and a stronger sense of possibility.

How New Day Counseling Can Help

At New Day Counseling, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to live with constant headlines about school violence, political tension, and community unrest. These events don’t just touch the news cycle; they touch families, children, teachers, and entire communities in very real and lasting ways.

You don’t have to face this alone. Our team of compassionate, trauma-informed therapists is here to support you with care that emphasizes healing, connection, and renewed strength.

We offer:

• Child and Teen Therapy

  From three-year-olds to young adults, we help individuals process fear, build emotional skills, and feel safe again through play therapy, mindfulness, and expressive techniques.

  
  

• Parent Guidance

  Equipping caregivers with practical tools for open conversations, creating safe routines, and helping children feel secure at home and school.

  
  

• Individual Counseling

  Supporting adults navigating political stress, grief, burnout, or fear with empathy and evidence-based strategies.

  
  

• Family Therapy

  Strengthening communication and trust so families can face difficult times together, not in isolation.

  
  

Our focus isn’t just on “coping” but on helping you find voice, meaning, and stability in uncertain times. Whether it’s grounding routines at home, new ways to manage anxiety, or turning worry into advocacy, we walk alongside you toward what feels like a new day.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If the weight of current events feels overwhelming, reaching out for support can be a decisive first step.

• Call or Text: 630-335-4307

• Email:  info@newdaycounselingil.com

• Glen Ellyn Office: 526 Crescent Blvd., Suite 300, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

• LaGrange Office: ​702 West Burlington Ave ,La Grange, IL 60525

  
  

Child and Family Therapists

Because even in uncertain times, healing and strength are possible, and you don’t have to find them alone.

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FAQ: Mental Health and Current Events

Q: How does gun violence affect children’s mental health?

Children who experience shootings, whether directly or indirectly, frequently develop anxiety, nightmares, PTSD symptoms, and concentration problems. Research indicates increased antidepressant use and decreased academic performance following such incidents.

Q: Can politics really cause anxiety?

Yes. The APA states that political stress affects millions of Americans, particularly during elections. Symptoms include insomnia, persistent worry, and strained relationships.

Q: Why do I feel hopeless even if nothing has “happened” to me directly?

Because our brains don’t separate “real” danger from perceived danger very well, constant exposure through the media can make threats feel close and personal.

Q: What can parents do to support kids?

Encourage open conversations, maintain steady routines, and model healthy coping skills such as deep breathing, regular walks, or limiting news exposure.