EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

One year since Uvalde school shooting: Does a memorial help with mental health and healing?

May 24, 2023, 8:00 PM

It's been one year since the devastating school shooting that happened in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19...

FILE - Flowers are piled around crosses with the names of the victims killed in a school shooting as people visit a memorial at Robb Elementary School to pay their respects May 31, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. For the first time since the Uvalde school massacre, Texas Republican lawmakers on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, allowed proposals for stricter gun laws to get a hearing in the state Capitol — even though new restrictions have almost no chance of passing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

UVALDE, Texas — Wednesday marks one year since the devastating school shooting that happened in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers.

Dr. Hans Watson, psychiatrist and president of Dynamic Psychiatry joined Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic on a recent episode to discuss if a memorial helps heal or makes it difficult to move on but not forget. 

Watson told Dave and Debbie that there is no easy answer to such a question. 

However, in his opinion, long term, a memorial will be meaningful, but in the short term it may make the healing process more difficult. 

“That doesn’t always mean it’s negative,” he said when discussing the short term effects. 

He compares it to surgery in the sense that short term you may have to endure some pain, but long term you won’t have to worry about the issue surgery has corrected. In other words, it may be hard to revisit such a terrible and emotional incident, but in the long run, there could be some benefit. 

He also said it could be beneficial to look at the location of the memorial and make that location known. 

“It can be helpful but also keep it in one place, so if someone isn’t healed they can avoid it,” Watson said. 

He said it’s important to be mindful of what community members need in order to feel safe and supported in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting. 

Listen to the entire segment.

 

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.  

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

Outside of the Yale University Law School is pictured on September 27, 2018 in New Haven, Connectic...

Zenebou Sylla, CNN

Some New England universities, including Yale, break $90,000 barrier for total tuition cost in upcoming school year

(CNN) — Several New England universities and colleges, including Yale, have reached a pinnacle of at least $90,000 for undergraduate tuition and costs starting this fall. Yale University, Tufts University, Boston University (BU), and Wellesley College are among a few private institutions that will top this year’s costs for tuition, housing and other expenses, according to […]

7 hours ago

FILE: Cedar High School in Cedar City is pictured on Wednesday April 7, 2021....

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Cedar High School grapples with mascot name, five years after it was changed

The Iron School District Board of Education is grappling with changing the Cedar High School mascot back from "Reds" to "Redmen." 

8 hours ago

A green and brown sign hangs on a brick wall. It reads "The future of the world is in this classroo...

Mariah Maynes

Study looks into Utah voters’ opinions on curriculum transparency in schools

A Sutherland Institute study found that a majority of Utah voters support curriculum transparency. However, fewer of them support mandating it with legislation. 

15 hours ago

Utah Utes players circle up before the women’s college basketball game against Weber State Univer...

Aimee Cobabe and Emma Keddington

FBI now involved in Utah Women’s Basketball racism investigation

Police in Idaho are working with the FBI to investigate an incident where racial slurs were yelled at the Utah Women's basketball team.

1 day ago

Utah Utes guard Ines Vieira (2) shoots the ball with Colorado Buffaloes guard Frida Formann (3) jum...

MICHELLE BODKIN

Utah women’s basketball team forced to move hotels after racial hate crimes during NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament was supposed to be a fun experience for the University of Utah women's basketball team.

2 days ago

People walk through the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024....

Britt Johnson

The cost of college tuition in Utah is going up

The Utah Board of Higher Education approved an average 3.3% percent college tuition increase, that will go into effect for the 2024/2025 school year. 

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

One year since Uvalde school shooting: Does a memorial help with mental health and healing?