Hello everyone!

My name is Robby Williams, and I am a master’s Level Psychologist working in the Mental Health field. According to a report in February 2024, there was a proposal to decrease the minimum age for acquiring a handgun in Florida to 18 and this practice was established in Florida; however, the age restriction was consequently raised to 21. Number of mass shootings in the United States, 1966-2022 – 441 resulting in 1,569 deaths and 3,923 victims (both injured and killed).

By Amanda Seitz | Associated Press • Published June 25, 2024, by the author.

The US Surgeon General has called gun violence a public health crisis for the first time. More than 48,000 Americans died from gun injuries in 2022. In 2022 a total of 4602 Americans aged 1 to 19 died by gunshot. Yes, gun violence has caused post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States, and it can also cause other mental health issues:

PTSD: The National Center for PTSD estimates that nearly 30% of people who survive a mass shooting develop PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may arise following an individual's exposure to or observation of a distressing event.

Anxiety: Gun violence can cause anxiety, which can be hypervigilant and fearful. Anxiety disorder is a pathological state characterized by an overwhelming sense of anxiety, apprehension, and discomfort, which can profoundly impact an individual's cognitive processes, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Depression: Gun violence can cause depression. Depression, also called depressive disorder, is a widespread mental health illness marked by persistent feelings of (low-mood) sadness or disinterest (lack of interest) in activities over an extended duration.

Substance use (disorder): Gun violence can cause substance use. The use of selected substances, including alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, inhalants, and other substances that can be consumed, inhaled, or injected.

Anticipatory stress: Survivors may experience anticipatory stress when reliving the memory of gun violence. Anticipatory stress is a physiological and psychological reaction that arises when an individual foresees a challenging or uncertain circumstance that lies ahead.

References:

By Amanda Seitz | Associated Press • Published June 25, 2024, by the author.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national<i>international/us-surgeon-general-declares-gun-violence-a-public-healthemergency/3648364/?os=firetv&ref=app

Gun Violence Archive

https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/

Rockefeller Institute of Government

https://rockinst.org/gun<i>violence/mass-shootingfactsheet/

State of California Department of Justice

https://oag.ca.gov/ogvp/new<i>firearm-law#:~:text=243)%20%E2%80%93%20Firearms,Effective%20January%201%2C%202024%3A,be%20a%20state%2Dlicensed%20manufacturer.