With the recent mass shootings that took place in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, mental health always comes into the discussion during the aftermath.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Dr. David Orht agrees that some of the root cause for these shootings goes back to mental health issues. He says people who commit these acts of violence aren’t thinking clearly.

“I think that people who do these actions, a lot of it has to do with feeling helpless and powerless. And the fascination with guns gives us the sense that we can control things and can take power back. Unfortunately it’s at the cost of people’s lives.”

He points out when situations like mass shootings take place, it can have an affect on others who have mental health issues.

“And that’s where a lot of people who have mental issues feel. I mean they don’t feel like the world’s safe, they feel like people are after them, they feel powerless, they feel like there’s nothing we can do. And we’re trapped in a corner, we want to either fight or flee.”

Dr. Orht notes that people who notice signs of those suffering from a mental illness can encourage them to seek help, however there are fewer people certified to diagnose and treat those with mental illnesses. As for those who are grieving during these tragic times, Dr. Orht suggests doing something that gives you some sense of power back in your life.