Keeping fear in perspective in wake of latest mass shootings

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KTVU) - By some records, there have been more mass shootings in the U.S. this year than days in the year so far. The sobering statistic has some on edge with Wednesday's mass shooting in San Bernardino, wondering if it could happen where they are.

"Well, it decreases your feelings of security" explained clinical psychologist Edward Abramson. "For us it seems random and therefore we're at risk."Abramson said those anxious feelings are natural.

"We are wired to have bodily responses that enable us to escape the so called 'fight or flight' response," he said. "So it's not just something that goes on in our head, but our body is mobilized in order to deal with a stresser like that." Abramson used to do clinical work at a Regional Center in Northern California, like the one targeted in Wednesday's shooting.

"It's hard to understand why anyone would attack a facility like that," said Abramson. He added that he never felt unsafe there, and wouldn't feel unsafe now.

At an ice skating rink downtown Walnut Creek, the shooting was in the back of many people's minds.

"It just makes you pause," said Matt Michaelsen as he helped his son lace up skates. Michaelsen's son goes to a Regional Center in the Bay Area. He's been thinking about his family's safety.

"You know, I've never been interested in being a gun owner myself," Michaelsen explained. "But I'm starting to rethink it, that decision."

"It's frightening and it's saddening more than anything," Jacklyn Link said as she watched her granddaughter skate. "It doesn't matter where you go anymore. Whether it's a movie theater or you're going to get your child help, you just have to be extra aware of your circumstances and basically roll the dice wherever you go anymore."

Her greatest fear is for her granddaughter's generation. "That they will grow up in a world that's full of fear," Link worried.

Abramson said it's important to keep fear in perspective.

"Your risk probably is greater when you get in a car and drive on the freeway than it is for a random senseless attack like this one," he said.