Lately news reports have conjured images of blood-soaked victims and the tearful lament of loved ones as continuous outbreaks of violence across the country turn the nightmares of many into a reality.
The cluster of mass violence outbreaks that have occurred in the past few years, including the Boston bombing and Colorado shooting, has caused the public to embark on a frenzied search for the cause of and the solution to the chaos.
Many look to gun control as the solution to mass violence. Some professionals, however, feel that another side of this issue needs to be addressed: mental health.
“It certainly seems to me that the mental health aspect of violence is being overlooked,” said Barbara Hebert, director of the University Counseling Center. “My own personal perspective is that many individuals believe that gun control is a quick fix to the problem, and society frequently looks for a quick solution.”
Although it is difficult to predict violent behavior, counseling has been shown to be effective in helping those with emotional issues. Some, like Hebert, believe that better access to mental health care would minimize the risk of violent outbursts in individuals who receive proper treatment.
“It is my belief that addressing mental health issues is certainly one step toward addressing violent behaviors. Through accessible mental health care, individuals who struggle with emotional regulation can receive support and assistance,” said Hebert. “Many individuals do not have access to mental health care due to either lack of insurance or due to limited public mental health facilities. Providing support and assistance through appropriate mental health counseling is valuable for all individuals, not simply those who are struggling.”
After the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, a behavioral intervention team known as the Student Threat Assessment and Response Team, or START, was formed to address issues with mentally and emotionally unstable students.
“START responds when a student is distressed or shows signs of disturbing behavior,” said Eric Summers, director of the Office of Multicultural and International Students and member of START. “Typically, students that display out of the ordinary behavior, emotional outbursts or rambling thoughts or emails should be referred to START. Basically, any strange behavior should be reported.  However, the campus community should know that they should call Campus Police immediately when faced with overly aggressive students or intimidating situations.”
In addition to calling the Campus Police when a violent episode occurs, taking advantage of the University Counseling Center and referring unstable students to START students and others can also help by creating a peaceful atmosphere as a community. After all, social influences have been known to impact behavior in many individuals.
“Sociological theory posits that both conformity and deviant behavior–such as violence–are learned through interactive contact with others, especially parents, peers and passive exposure to mass media content,” said Russell Castro, sociology professor.
“Instead of working to minimize the risk of violence, I think about increasing the possibilities of peace,” said Hebert. “For instance, rather than looking at the differences between people, we can focus on our similarities. We can work toward being friendly and smiling at others, including others in our conversations or study groups. We can treat others the way we would like to be treated.”  
Students who feel that they are having emotional problems are advised to seek counseling from the University Counseling Center. To report unusual behavior to START, visit selu.edu/reportit or call 985-549-2213.