Angela R. Wilson | Intern UAB School of Education | CHHS
We see it every day, it is on the local news, it is on social media, radio stations and even discussed on college campuses and work sites. Violent Crime seems to be trending in an upward trajectory across the country. Mass shootings, murders, rapes, assaults, and robberies; it is paramount that we remain vigilant of our surroundings to try to stay safe. With violent crimes increasing since the pandemic, many people are afraid to do simple things like go shopping, go to the movies, or even sit on their front porches. Obviously, crime is affecting how people work in their daily lives, but does it also impact your health? The short answer is Yes.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, violent crime not only contributes to physical injuries, but also can manifest other mental health diseases such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), feelings of distress, and depression. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between violent crime and the development of diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and musculoskeletal disease, and lung disease. These conditions can have significant detrimental consequences on the health and well-being of people, families, and communities. People who see violence regularly may also experience loneliness and isolation and may resort to binge drinking and indulging in tobacco products. They are less likely to participate in healthy behaviors, such as bicycling, walking, using parks, and other recreational spaces and may not invest in proper nutrition or take prescribed medication.
As many local, state, federal agencies and politicians’ network to find viable strategies to quell some of the violence, it is extremely important to employ coping mechanisms to protect your physical and emotional health. Identifying support systems, resources, self-care, deep breathing, meditation and participating in faith-based activities are a few strategies that may be beneficial. Also, while we need to be aware of things that happen in our communities that may be violent in nature, we must be careful not to become overly consumed. Taking the necessary steps to protect your physical, emotional, and mental health, are paramount, even if that means not watching the news sometimes.
References
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Community Violence Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov.
Vinney, C. (2022). What is the Impact of Violent Media on Mental Health? https://www.verywellmind.com.
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