What a sad day

Dear globalcounselor,

Yesterday when I read the news about that boy who killed all those people in the mall, I felt so sad. Why did he have to do it. It’s so scarey nowadays to go anywhere, you never know when someone would try to kill you for no reason.  He did not know any of those people he killed and he did not care.  Do you have any tips about how I can protect myself. I am 16 years old and I don’t want to die young, not like that anyway. I am still in high school and sometimes I feel so paranoid I don’t even feel like going to school in case someone would get mad and start killing people.

Afraid

Dear Afraid,

I am scared too but I can’t stop living.  I can’t lock myself in the house all day long.  You’re not even safe in your house as someone could come there.  Most of these things happen randomly without rhyme or reason.  What I can say is to aware of your surrounding. Always look around and see the people who are nearest you and if you get a hunch that doesn’t feel good, get out of there and go somewhere else. We have to use our sense in order to protect ourselves the best way we can. If you’re in school and you notice someone is being bullied, if you can speak up for that person don’t join in and tease, perhaps that’s what might save you should that person decide to kill the tormentors.  He or she might take pity on you for trying to do the right thing.  Always do you best, speak up for the under dog. Be aware of your surroundings for people acting crazy. Finally, don’t be afraid most people are good. You will be safe.