Shrinks

[argonstrom]

After the worst situation happens for a person that carries, who do you think is the best to talk about that thing?

[cstone]

An attorney and a pastor. They both must be people you trust and that can legally maintain your confidence. I will add your spouse, but that would depend on how they would handle the situation. Sometimes burdening them with what you are carrying makes the weight too much for both of you.

[Irving]

Sorry to hear you dropped your gun into the toilet at work.


On a serious note, I hope this is just hypothetical, and you aren't really struggling with something.

[NitroxBoss]

The good guys get home to their families THAT is the important thing. Everything beyond that needs to be minimized by comparison.

[Kmanbay]

First of all know and understand the laws in your state or the state you are visiting.
But if it happens:

My advice is when the cops arrive do EXACTLY what they tell you to do, and immediatley ask to speak to an attorney. Don't say anything, because like they say "it can and will be used against you in a court of law".

There are many reasons for this including the incredibly stressful life and death decision you just made, your legal rights and usually after an event like this you cannot fully process what you have just been involved in and need a day or two to put it together in your head.

[AirbornePathogen]

With the caveat that this is not the voice of experience talking, I personnaly favor Massad Ayoob's five things to say after a shooting:

1. Point out the suspect, "That guy attacked me," or whatever
2. Say that you will sign the complaint, press charges, etc.
3. Point out any evidence- his weapon, shell casings, etc.
4. Point out any witnesses.
5. "You will have my full cooperation after I've spoken to an attorney." -Good point, Irving!
Side note here- a lot of law enforcement agencies anymore won't allow an officer who's involved in a line of duty shooting to make his official statement or report until at least 24 hours after the incident. Some take it as far as 72. The thinking here is to give the officer's brain time to catch up with events, and sort everything out. If that applies to cops, it makes sense to apply it to a civilian concealed carry holder. Afterward, I would definitely talk with a mental health professional and a member of the clergy if I was struggling with it. Good point earlier about both of those being legally obligated to keep what you tell them in confidence. As always, just my $0.02. Here's hoping we don't ever have to find out firsthand what happens after a shooting.

[Irving]

I don't like putting a time restriction on the full cooperation part. What if it takes your family more than 24 to find a suitable attorney? Don't paint yourself into a corner.

[AirbornePathogen]

I don't like putting a time restriction on the full cooperation part. What if it takes your family more than 24 to find a suitable attorney? Don't paint yourself into a corner.

Good point. Edit- "You'll have my full cooperation after I've spoken to an attorney."

[argonstrom]

I hope this is just hypothetical

Maybe it is. I'm not talking about lawyers, cops, etc..., in this thread.

[TFOGGER]

As far as working through the psychological repercussions of a CCW incident, speak to whomever you feel comfortable doing so. If you have not yet been cleared of legal wrongdoing, you might want to limit that pool to those legally or professionally bound to maintain confidence, such as your spiritual leader (priest, rabbi, imam, whatever), psychologist/counselor/psychiatrist, lawyer, or physician. I'm not sure what Colorado law is concerning spousal confidentiality, but I would think that would be safe as well.

Edit: I would also add that such conversations should occur in person, and in private. Electronic communications are NEVER as secure as we would like them to be, and tend to be very persistent (particularly emails and internet posts).

[Fromk]

I'm ignoring all the legal angles in my response. I'm also going to try and keep it brief since I'd be typing for hours otherwise.

This sort of thing is different for everyone. You'll find that there are some people you can talk to about a trauma like that and others, even good friends, that are no help at all. That can be a tough realization. I think one of the biggest little things that can be done is anything. Be proactive. Don't trivialize what happened or think that you should just be able to handle it because that's the way you think you should act. Just the act of seeking council can prove a surprisingly calming step which segways into another point. If you have the means, get a professional involved. Make a couple of appointments. It can be a counselor, clergy, or a psychiatrist. Ask the police if they have someone. Which ever is most comfortable but someone experienced in major traumatic events. If that and a personal support system is enough to help you sleep at night and resume a normal life then that's great. If it gets worse having that professional in your corner will be very valuable.

So yeah...there's my super short answer.

[Clint45]

Talk to a good friend who you trust and who will understand. Wives and girlfriends seldom understand, nor does the average citizen. 95% of shrinks certainly don't understand. This is something you need to sort out for yourself. Talking can help, but you need to talk to the right person.