Beyond Physical Harm: How Gun Violence Affects Mental Health

When people think about gun violence, they often focus on physical injuries or deaths. However, gun violence also has serious effects on mental health. These effects do not only impact people who are directly harmed. Hearing gun shots, witnessing a shooting, or knowing someone who was injured or killed by a gun can also affect how people feel, think, and cope. Because of this, gun violence is considered a public health issue with important mental health consequences.

A recent study published in 2025 examined how different types of gun violence exposure affect mental health among adults in the United States. The researchers surveyed 8,009 adults using a nationally representative sample, meaning the participants reflected the diversity of the U.S. population. Data for the study were collected in 2024. These researchers looked at six types of gun violence exposure, including being threatened with a firearm, being shot, witnessing a shooting, hearing gunshots in one's neighborhood, knowing someone who was shot, and knowing someone who died by firearm suicide. They examined how often these experiences happened, how many different types of exposure people had, and how recently the exposure occurred.

The results showed a clear pattern. People who experienced gun violence more frequently or more recently had higher rates of depression, greater use of mental health services, and higher levels of suicide risk. Even indirect exposure, like hearing gun shots or knowing someone who was shot, was linked to poorer mental health. People with high cumulative exposure, meaning five or more gun violence incidents, had especially high levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. Only those with very high exposure were found to have a higher risk of suicide attempts.

These findings are important because they show that gun violence affects more than just victims. People who live in communities where gun violence occurs may experience increased fear, stress, and changes in how safe they feel. This ongoing stress can harm mental health over time. Research has also shown that repeated exposure to gun violence is linked to worsened mental health outcomes, especially when exposure begins early in life.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable. Studies have found that young people who witness gun violence are more likely to experience anxiety, aggression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure during childhood can also affect mental health later in adulthood. In addition, caregivers are impacted as well. Research shows that mothers who witness gun violence are more likely to experience depression, which can place emotional strain on families and households.

These findings are relevant for the Bridgeport community. According to data from the City of Bridgeport, the number of non-fatal shootings, fatal shootings, and homicides had decreased between 2019 and 2024. While this trend is encouraging, the presence of gun violence over several years means that many residents may still carry the emotional effects for those who have experienced repeated or recent exposure.

Because gun violence can affect mental health in many ways, access to mental health support is important. Bridgeport residents have several resources available if they or someone they know is struggling. These include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the 211 mental health line, crisis intervention services through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Disaster Distress Hotline. These services can help individuals manage stress, fear, grief, and other emotional responses related to gun violence. People can access these services and find additional mental health information through the City of Bridgeport Health and Social Services website.

Overall, research shows that gun violence exposure, whether direct or indirect, is strongly linked to depression, suicide risk, and increased need for mental healthc care. Understanding these connections can help communities recognize the importance of mental health support and healing for both adults and children.

Gun Violence Exposure - Experiencing gun violence directly or indirectly, such as being shot, witnessing a shooting, hearing gunshots, or knowing someone who was injured or killed by a firearm.

Cumulative Exposure - Experiencing multiple gun violence incidents over time.

Suicidal Ideation - Thinking about harming oneself or ending one's life.

Nationally Representative Sample - A group of study participants that reflect the age, race, gender, and geographic makeup of the larger population, which allows researchers to draw conclusions about the whole country.

• Semenza D. C., Bond A. E., Ziminski D., Anastis M. D. (2025). Frequency, recency, and variety of gun violence exposure: Implications for mental health and suicide among US adults. Social Science & Medicine, 366, Article 1176772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117672.
• Leibbrand, C., Rivara, F., & Rowhani-Rahbar, A. (2021). Gun Violence Exposure and Experiences of Depression Among Mothers. Prevention Science, 22(4), 523-533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-020-01202-7
• Shulman, E. P., Beardslee, J., Fine, A., Frick, P. J., Steinberg, L., & Cauffman, E. (2021). Exposure to Gun Violence: Associations with Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, and Aggression among Male Juvenile Offenders. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 50(3), 353-366. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2021.1888742
• Turner, H. A., Mitchell, K. J., Jones, L. M., Hamby, S., Wade, R., Jr, & Beseler, C. L. (2019). Gun Violence Exposure and Posttraumatic Symptoms Among Children and Youth. Journal of traumatic stress, 32(6), 881-889. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22466
• City of Bridgeport Police Department. (2024). Shootings and homicide trends January 2019 - December 2024 [PDF]. City of Bridgeport, CT. https://www.bridgeportct.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/BPD%20Crime%20Statistics%20%282019-2024%29_0.pdf
• City of Bridgeport Health & Social Services. (n.d.). Behavioral health, mental wellness & addiction support. City of Bridgeport, CT. Retrieved February 2026, from https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/health-social-services/social-services/behavioral-health-mental-wellness-addiction-suppor

Alana Planas is a senior Public Health major at Fairfield University, with minors in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Communications, currently completing her internship with the Bridgeport Health Department. Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she maintains strong family and community ties, she plans to pursue a Master of Public Health degree after graduation and aims to become an epidemiologist focused on reducing health disparities and improving community health outcomes.