Our hearts are with those affected by the tragedy at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. While we mourn as a nation at another senseless mass shooting, it is important to remember and be considerate of how we discuss these tragedies.

Our hearts are with those affected by the tragedy at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. While we mourn as a nation at another senseless mass shooting, it is important to remember and be considerate of how we discuss these tragedies. Oftentimes in the aftermath of senseless gun tragedies, the conversation changes from the topic of gun violence into one about mental health. Simply put, this is irresponsible. One of the things that inadvertently happens is that people will start to link mental illness and violence together. It further stigmatizes those who have a mental illness and makes it seem like those living with mental illness have a predilection toward violence. This is simply not true. According to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, those living with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than the general population and are no more likely to be prone to violence compared to the general population. Mental health is a critical topic that deserves its own meaningful conversation.