Could it happen here?
By now, we’ve all heard about the terrible tragedy at Virginia Tech.
Now we’re hearing from a teacher who was so frightened and concerned
about some of the killer’s assignments that she took the matter “upline.”
Nothing was done.
Something COULD have been done.
A few weeks ago, a janitor was fired from a nursing home in the metroplex.
He returned later with a gun. The matter ended peacefully, but it could have
had a Virginia Tech-style ending.
Again, something could have been done. The situation did NOT have to
escalate.
Murder is the ultimate expression of control for a person whose life has
spun out of control. Just as rape has little to do with sex and everything to
do with control, murder has little to do with hatred.
According to James Alan Fox, Ph.D., murderers, “see other people as
mere tools for their own pleasure.”
Stanton Samenow, Ph.D. says, “To reduce someone to a quivering,
pleading speck of humanity and snuff out that individual’s life is, for some
people, the ultimate high.”
James Alan Fox, Ph.D. stated that “The most successful, prolific killers are
extraordinarily ordinary.”
The disgruntled employee is often a long-term employee, but it can be a
new employee too. It’s believed they are lashing out at some perceived
unfairness, although lax management can be just as much involved as strict
management. In contrast to serial killers who instill lingering horror and
lasting interest, society tends to get briefly shocked by mass murder and
then returns to normal. In addition, victim selection elements are usually
absent in mass murder. Victims just happen to be in the wrong place at
the wrong time.
Workplace violence has some of the characteristics of mass murder in that
the offender is usually seen as some crazy, disgruntled employee (”snapping”;
“going postal”). In many cases, the grudge is against the organization or
bureaucracy.
Are you working with an ordinary individual who’s at the end of their rope?
Is someone with whom you work every day considering suicide or homicide?
How would you know?
Here is a partial list of warning signs that an individual is in trouble:
-Explicit statements expressing hopelessness, self-loathing and wish to die.
-Preoccupation with morbid topics, such as death and dying.
-Depressed and/or angry mood.
-Change in appetite and sleeping habits.
-Drug and alcohol abuse.
-Statements implying the person does not intend to be around in the future.
-Noticeable personality changes.
-Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
-Suddenly becoming cheerful after a period of depression.
-Giving away prized personal possessions.
-Noticeable decrease in academic or job performance.
-Isolation and withdrawal from peers and family.
-Loss of enthusiasm about life.
Individuals who are prone to workplace violence often have a history of violence.
In many instances there’s some sort of romantic obsession. They may be
chemically dependent, going through depression or extreme frustration. They are
usually pathological “blamers” with an impaired neurological system. They may be
very interested in weapons and they may have some sort of personality disorder.
Some may be victims of psychosis, an illness that prevents them from being able
to distinguish between the real and the imaginary world.
What Can You Do?
Become aware of others around you. Take time to listen; the simple act of showing
you care can make the difference between a person doing something unthinkable
or seeking help. Learn to recognize the subtle clues and warning signs of the
troubled individual. When you suspect someone is in need of help, contact an
expert who can provide practical, knowledgeable aid. If you suspect a suicide or
homicide is very imminent or in progress, call 911.
One good rule of thumb is not to take on the responsibility of helping a suicidal
person all by yourself, but instead to rally other resources that can help the troubled
person. There is a good chance that the suicidal person can be helped through the
temporary crisis, as long as help is provided promptly.
If you suspect that someone you know is suicidal, don’t be afraid to talk about it.
The clues you may be hearing or seeing can be subtle invitations for you to help.
Most suicidal people have opposing feelings of wanting to die and at the same time
wanting to live. Ask the person about his or her feelings and the changes that you
have noticed. Let the person know that you want to help. Remember, suicidal crises
are usually temporary. Homicidal thoughts are based upon emotional and spiritual pain:
what seems to be unbearable can be survived. There are other solutions. If you are
concerned, do NOT be shy about telling someone else.
If you need help, call me.
Every blessing,
“Pastor Mike”
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