When the World Feels Unsafe

In the wake of mass violence, whether it happens close to home or flashes across our screens, it’s normal to feel shaken. The emotional impact can be deep, even if we weren’t directly involved. If you are in Recovery these moments can especially stir old wounds, heighten anxiety, or leave you feeling off-balance.

When the World Feels Unsafe: Trauma-Informed Support After Mass Violence

SAMHSA recently released a roadmap titled Trauma-Informed Community Support for the Effects of Mass Violence. It’s not just a guide for professionals, it’s a call to communities, recovery spaces, and peer networks to respond with care when tragedy strikes.  These guidelines can help us navigate support meetings with grace and a view toward healing during times of great uncertainty.

Whether the violence is local or distant, its emotional impact can ripple through our lives. Reactions, like fear, anger, confusion and anxiety can be overwhelming or leave us feeling disconnected. However, it can also remind us of what healing looks like when it’s shared.

Key Takeaways from the SAMHSA Roadmap

Creating safe spaces. Both physically and emotionally. Safe spaces allow grief, anger, numbness, and confusion to coexist. There’s no pressure to “move on” or “stay positive.” Instead, we honor the full range of emotional responses.

Building trust through transparency. Transparency means more than sharing information, it’s about being honest, consistent, and clear, especially when emotions run high. Communities build trust by openly communicating expectations, acknowledging uncertainty, and validating frustration when things don’t go as planned.

Supporting peer-led recovery. Shared experience matters.  Sometimes the safest space is one where someone says, “Me too.” Recovery communities offer that kind of resonance, where shared experience becomes a bridge, not a barrier.

Planning ahead so communities can respond with care, not chaos.

Coping in the Aftermath: American Psychological Association’s Advice

“You may feel that the world is a more dangerous place today than you did yesterday. It will take time to recover your sense of equilibrium.” — APA

The APA reminds us that emotional distress after a traumatic event is normal. You may feel shock, sorrow, fear, anger, or even numbness.

These tips can help:

• Talk about it. Reach out to family, friends, or a sponsor: people who care and will listen.
• Honor your feelings. There’s no “right” way to respond.
• Limit media exposure. Too much news can reawaken distress.
• Take care of your body. Eat well, rest, and move gently.
• Help others. Acts of kindness can restore a sense of agency.

Recovery Is a Community Effort

Whether you’re grieving, angry, or just exhausted, know this: you’re not alone. Recovery isn’t linear, and it doesn’t have to be solitary. In times like these, our community matters more than ever.

In the wake of the recent national traumas,  we invite you to share your supportive reflections, stories, or moments of resilience. Your voice helps others feel less alone.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

 1-800-662-HELP (4357)