SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – We’ve covered more than five shootings in Sarasota in recent days, and it does have effects on our collective psyche.
Sarasota clinical psychologist, Dr. Eddy Regnier says it’s not only the Suncoast seeing a rapid increase in violence, but across the nation too.
There could be multiple reasons for it like gangs, mental health problems, and easy access to guns.
But, he believes with people being cooped up for more than a year from COVID, could be causing some stress that leads people to violence.
“While there is an increase in violence, it’s still a rare phenomenon, it’s still small,” Regnier said. “It’s not hundreds of people getting shot and killed, it’s one. So keep it in perspective.”
If you feel scared of all the shootings, he encourages you to talk to people; friends, families, neighbors.
And if you’re feeling violent, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can call 911 or one of the national health hotlines.