The aftermath of mass shootings infiltrates every corner of survivors’ lives

Survivors of mass shootings are deeply affected by the aftermath, with the consequences infiltrating every aspect of their lives. The Zamora family, still reeling from the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where their 11-year-old daughter Mayah was critically injured, faces numerous challenges. Mayah experiences panic when there are unexpected knocks on the door, and the family avoids Fourth of July celebrations to escape the unsettling sounds of fireworks. Even a simple outing to the movies requires noise-canceling headphones for Mayah. This is just one story among the thousands of Americans who have been wounded in mass shootings or affected by gun violence, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive.

The aftermath of these tragedies goes beyond immense medical bills and the weight of trauma and grief. Survivors and their families must navigate a multitude of changes that disrupt their lives. In a series of interviews with The Big Big News, survivors shared the enduring mental and physical wounds they carry after shootings in various locations, including Uvalde, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, and the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.

Mayah, for instance, sustained multiple injuries in the Uvalde shooting and required numerous surgeries. Her family moved to San Antonio, where she spent a long period in the hospital and still requires ongoing care. The medical bills have become overwhelming, reaching close to a million dollars, not including additional expenses for rehabilitation, follow-up visits, and counseling. Uncertainty looms over which expenses will be covered by insurance, leaving the family in a state of financial instability. Christina, Mayah’s mother, had to quit her job to become Mayah’s caregiver, further exacerbating the financial strain. The family’s relocation has also caused separation, with Ruben, Mayah’s father, working in Uvalde while the rest of the family resides in San Antonio. The drastic changes have taken a toll on Mayah, who now lives in fear of returning to Uvalde and is unable to enjoy the activities she once loved.

In Colorado Springs, Ashtin Gamblin experienced a horrific shooting while working at Club Q. She was shot multiple times, resulting in severe injuries that have left her struggling with everyday tasks. Walking her dogs, which used to be effortless, has become challenging due to her loss of autonomy. Gamblin has also faced battles with health insurance, the hospital, and worker’s compensation officials to determine who will cover her $300,000 medical bill. Additionally, she no longer feels safe in her apartment, where she would sometimes hear gunshots, and was compelled to buy a more secure and expensive house in a quieter neighborhood. Unexpected costs, such as a flooded basement, a service animal, and a new car for doctor’s appointments, have further strained her financial situation. Emotionally, Gamblin is still far from being mentally ready to return to work. The trauma has left her feeling unsafe in public spaces, affecting her daily life and leaving her uncertain about the future.

These stories reflect the ongoing impact of mass shootings on survivors’ lives. The number of mass shooting victims and deaths continues to rise, with nearly 400 people wounded and 140 killed in mass killings so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The focus often remains on those who lose their lives, but the survivors endure lasting suffering. Tia Christiansen, who had a near-death experience during the Las Vegas music festival shooting, had to confront her own mortality and eventually decided to leave her career in the music industry. Concerts, once a source of joy, now trigger anxiety as she constantly assesses emergency exits and the safety of others. The financial burden of her situation is overwhelming, and the trauma has strained her relationships and affected her overall well-being.

Leah Sundheim’s experience in Highland Park, where her mother was killed during a Fourth of July parade shooting, highlights the different types of trauma survivors face. While she experienced the heart-wrenching news over the phone, her aunt and cousins witnessed the murder firsthand. Regardless of the specific circumstances, the trauma shatters survivors’ sense of security and leaves a lasting impact on their lives.

These accounts shed light on the hidden struggles of mass shooting survivors and emphasize the urgent need for support and resources to address the long-term effects of such traumatic events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about mass shooting survivors

More about mass shooting survivors

• Gun Violence Archive – Provides comprehensive data on gun violence incidents in the United States, including mass shootings.
• Everytown Survivors Network – Offers support, resources, and mentorship programs for gun violence survivors.
• Report for America – Nonprofit organization that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues, including gun violence and its impact on communities.
• National Institute of Mental Health – Provides information and resources on mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions that may affect mass shooting survivors.
• National Center for Victims of Crime – Offers resources and support for victims of crime, including survivors of mass shootings.
• American Psychological Association – Provides information on psychological trauma, mental health support, and coping strategies for individuals impacted by traumatic events like mass shootings.