The mental health and guns discussion is a hot topic that many people debate on a daily basis, especially after a tragedy.
To shed light on this divisive subject, Dr. Arash Javanbakht will present “Mental Illness and Guns: What You May Not Know about the Complexities” on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. The discussion will take place in the Student Conference Center (SCC) at Lone Star College-Kingwood. Dr. Javanbakht is the director of Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic at Wayne State University.
“Gun violence is an ongoing challenge in the U.S. with several levels of controversy and complexities. Some have presented mental illness as the main cause of gun violence when it comes to discussions of gun control,” Javanbakht said. “On the other hand, mental illness is extremely common, and facts may be different than what we hear in the media.”
According to an article published on CBS News, Javanbakht stated that after a mass tragedy, debaters blame mental illness as the cause instead of discussing how “assault rifles can kill many people in a matter of minutes.” At LSC-Kingwood, he will present the facts, myths, and difficulties of gun control and mental illness.
“College campuses are one of the best places to have a conversation about mental health and gun violence,” said Tracie Kamenoff, director of Student Services at LSC-Kingwood. “We need our students and staff to be educated on the holistic picture as well as be sensitive to topics surrounding mental health.”
During the presentation, the audience will learn which mental illnesses are associated with violence as well as understand what mental health-related gun legislation would entail. Attendees will also learn how to identify mental health situations that may pose harm to self or others and how to address them.
“With gun violence happening more often, it is more important to have a well-rounded discussion that includes mental health awareness and steps to combat this disease,” Javanbakht said.
To educate the college community on mental health, the Men’s Women’s and Intercultural centers at LSC-Kingwood regularly host programs on mental health-related topics and provide a safe place for students to discuss personal concerns. Although therapy is not offered on campus, the basic counseling services available can refer students to outside agencies who provide therapy at low prices.
Javanbakht treats traumatized civilians, refugees, and first responders. His research involves neurobiology of PTSD, brain imaging, genetics, and advancing methods of treatment using technology. Javanbakht’s work in public education about mental health has been featured in more than 40 media outlets including CNN, Aljazeera, Washington Post, CBS, NRP, PBS, and Smithsonian.
For more information on the “Mental Illness and Guns: What You May Not Know about the Complexities” presentation, email Tracie.Kamenoff@LoneStar.edu.
Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 99,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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