Co-regulation — the calming of our nervous system through connection with a regulated other — is one of the most powerful and underappreciated mass shootings interventions.
What Co-Regulation Is and Why It Matters for Mass Shootings
Humans are social mammals whose nervous systems are literally designed to be regulated through connection. When someone calm and safe is with us, our nervous systems naturally mirror theirs.
This is why mass shootings tends to worsen in isolation and improve with genuine connection.
Co-Regulation in Mass Shootings Treatment
The therapeutic relationship provides co-regulation — a calm, regulated presence that directly helps the client's nervous system settle during mass shootings.
Safe relationships in daily life serve the same function. This is part of why social isolation is so damaging for mass shootings.
Building Co-Regulatory Relationships for Mass Shootings
- Identify people whose presence tends to calm rather than activate your mass shootings
- Intentionally spend time with these people during difficult mass shootings periods
- Pets provide co-regulation for many people with mass shootings
- Therapeutic relationships (therapist, psychiatrist) provide professional co-regulation