Speaking of mental health: the shooter in my book is specifically referred to as psycho in multiple instances, throughout. And it’s important to remember that the majority of people with a mental illness are not violent. After mass shootings, political rhetoric often centers on the mental health of the perpetrators, simplifying a complex issue in a dangerously reductive way. The role that the unique gun laws in the United States play in these incidents cannot be discounted or ignored. I would also be doing a disservice here if I didn’t note that our country is in desperate need of better, more affordable mental health services, for all of its kids.

I wrote The Lucky Ones for those who have gone through horrific events like these, and for those who fear that they might endure a similar fate someday. For those who have made their way through painful, heartbreaking times and managed to find their way through to the other side. May’s story is one of pain and fear and loss, but also one of hope.

Without hope, we are lost.

Liz Lawson

Resources

The Lucky Ones is a work of fiction, but many of the events depicted within weigh heavily on the minds of teens, young adults, and their families every day. If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the resources below. These organizations are there to help.

—

If you or someone you know has been through a school shooting:

Coalition to Support Grieving Students

grievingstudents.org

877-53-NCSCB (877-536-2722)

[email protected]

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

samhsa.gov

1-800-985-5990

Text TalkWithUs to 66746

—

If you or someone you know suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

PTSD Alliance

ptsdalliance.org

888-436-6306

[email protected]

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

nctsn.org

—

If you or someone you know suffers from depression:

Teen Lifeline

teenlifeline.org

1-800-248-8336 (TEEN)

National Alliance on Mental Illness

nami.org/​Find-Support

800-950-NAMI (6264)

[email protected]

Text NAMI to 741741

—

If you or someone you know has substance abuse issues:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

samhsa.gov

800-662-HELP (4357)

1-800-985-5990

Text TalkWithUs to 66746

Addiction Center

addictioncenter.com/​teenage-drug-abuse

855-706-9275

—

If you or someone you know needs grief counseling:

The Dougy Center, The National Center for Grieving Children & Families

dougy.org

866-775-5683

[email protected]

—

If you or someone you know is suicidal:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

800-273-8255

Text 273TALK to 839863

Acknowledgments

I’ve been sitting here staring at a blank page for approximately twelve hours now, trying to come up with some fascinating words about my Process and trying to make sure I don’t miss anyone I should thank. (Twelve hours might be slightly overstating things, but maybe not by much.) I finally decided I should start writing—’cause just like writing a book, if you never start, you can never finish. WORDS OF WISDOM, GUYS.