I think it’s important not to dramatize and make people panic. At the same time, if we look at the trend and its current evolution, we are moving towards a panorama of the expression of distress that somewhat resembles what we see in the United States. Before, mass killings were mostly an American phenomenon
said Dr. Cécile Rousseau, holder of the Canada Research Chair in the Prevention of Violent Radicalization, in an interview on the program Facts first.
There is something going on, there is a culture shift in the expression of extreme distress and rage that we can expect to see more mass killings, with contagion and contamination effects . But that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything
she continued.
In the current context, Ms. Rousseau explains that it is quite normal for a certain panic to invade the population, which is suddenly grappling with a new phenomenon.
« Throughout human history, what is acceptable to express distress has changed. What is valued also changes. That’s why we’re in trouble, why we’re flabbergasted [présentement]; we weren’t used to this way of expressing distress. We’re pretty used to suicide. »
Beyond the collective shock, the psychiatrist believes that there is currently a lot of confusion in the Quebec public space in the way of approaching these tragedies.
Mental health is used in extremely different ways and it gives a contradictory discourse. You have to be careful with the words. Talking about murderous madness can lead to public amazement, an impression that nothing can be done about it and that it can happen at any time. It can also lead to stigmatization of people who have serious and persistent disorders.
On this subject, Dr. Rousseau specifies that it is more people in the throes of acute distress, that is, people who are depressed, anxious and who experience complex traumas, who opt for suicide or homicide. People living with major disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective illnesses, fit less to the profile of the mass killer.
Most of the solitary actors who take action are people who live with grievances. These grievances lead to significant psychological distress, isolation, often social isolation, and rage. And this is where the models circulating on social media are decisive.
What to do?
Like Ms. Rousseau, Michelle Côté, director of research at the International Center for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC), believes that it is possible to prevent the multiplication of mass killings.
Today, we still have a lot of means to cope [au phénomène]
she says.
However, it recognizes the need to establish a plan involving different actors and stakeholders to be more effective in prevention. Radicalization can lead to violence, whether it is communal, intrafamilial or self-inflicted. All of this must be part of a comprehensive strategy to combat violence.
Individually, we also have the ability to act, she continues. Develop benevolence, pay attention to the people around us, be more sensitive when we see that someone is going wrong. And there are resources, numbers where you can call.
Michelle Côté thinks that a social reflection on the roots of the evil is perhaps necessary to reduce the risk of acting out.
« The deep sources of this anger that can lead to gestures like these are multiple. We are talking about building more inclusive, safer and fairer societies. This collectively contributes to preventing this kind of situation. Create programs that ensure fairer and more equitable access to resources, housing, the health network, the school network, the assistance offered to young people… That’s where we have to go. It has to be a collective project. »
The media will also have to help prevent the phenomenon of mass killings, believes Dave Poitras, associate professor of sociology at the University of Montreal and scientific advisor specializing in violence prevention at the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) .
He considers that the way of processing information is often decisive. In all cases, it has a direct impact on the population.
It’s a delicate process. We live in a democracy, people have the right to know, have the right to be informed and to have quality information. It’s undeniable
said Professor Poitras in an interview with Alain Gravel.
However, the way in which these events are publicized can have negative effects and certain precautions can reduce the consequences. We must talk about the murderer, his motives, the event itself, but we must also put this type of phenomenon into perspective. […] Mention that it is relatively rare in Quebec and Canada.
« When you put the frame on the killer, on his personal life, his past, his motives, his ideologies, it creates more distress in the population and a certain form of moral panic. A place that seemed safe before, suddenly we don’t feel good there anymore, we feel insecure there. »
A framework that puts more emphasis on a surge of solidarity in the population, on the fact that politicians do not trivialize gestures, makes the population feel less insecure and more supported.
Change approach
For psychiatrist Cécile Rousseau, holder of the Canada Research Chair in the Prevention of Violent Radicalization, certain pitfalls must absolutely be avoided in the search for solutions to prevent the multiplication of mass killings. The first? Resist the temptation to embark on a vast collective screening operation.
The profiles of lone actors, whether they are terrorists, masculinists, misogynists or commit family dramas with mass killings, are remarkably similar
explains Dr. Rousseau.
When we panic, we may want to track down. But at the level of screening and detection, we are nowhere. We don’t have the right tools to reliably screen. And if we begin to suspect all the people who are not well, we risk increasing the climate of paranoia, distress, isolation and rage.
Cécile Rousseau also believes that a change of approach is needed to be able to prevent a person in distress from acting out.
« We’re helping someone who says they want to kill themselves. We do not wonder if he will do it. We don’t do that for homicide, which is a criminal matter, in the area of justice and security. But punishing despair doesn’t work, and I think that’s a dead end. It is absolutely necessary to prioritize homicidal thoughts in our services, as we do for suicide. »
The level of distress among young people in Canada and the United States is increasing very sharply. We have to take care of this distress. I believe that all those involved in mental health must do so and that we need interdepartmental cooperation between safety, education and health. I think it’s urgent.
You need help?
Are you feeling distressed or worried about a loved one? Telephone services are available free of charge in Canada.
To reach a Wellness Together Canada mental health professional:
- Dial 1 888 668-6810 or text the word BETTER to 686868, for young people.
- Dial 1 866 585-0445 or text the word BETTER to 741741, for adults.
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text TALK to 686868. Service available in Canada 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people aged 5 to 29 who want to receive care confidential and anonymous from trained workers.