A new study has revealed a sharp increase in depression rates among residents of communities affected by mass shootings in the US. The research, conducted across six different locations, found that those living near mass violence incidents (MVIs) had a significantly higher prevalence of depression compared to the general population.
The prevalence of major depressive episodes (MDE) in these communities since the incident was 17.2%, according to a study by Boston University researchers published in the journal Public Health. By comparison, the national depression rate in the United States was 9.2% in 2020. This substantial difference has raised concerns about the long-term mental health effects of mass shootings.
The researchers gathered data from Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Parkland, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; San Bernardino, California; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. These locations were chosen due to high-profile mass shootings between 2015 and 2020. The team found that individuals exposed to the MVIs, especially those who were directly involved or had family or friends at the scene, had an increased risk of developing depression. Women, younger adults, and those with previous traumatic experiences were particularly vulnerable.
“Guided by Dr. Sandro Galea – a leading expert in trauma and public health – we felt it was important to study how these events affect the overall health of the community,” said Dr Mohammed Abba-Aji, research fellow at Boston University. “Our goal was to highlight the lasting psychological effects these tragedies have and to emphasise the need for ongoing mental health support and resources for everyone affected.”
One of the most striking findings was the long-lasting impact on those affected. Although the risk of depression appeared to decrease slightly as time passed, many residents continued to struggle with mental health issues for years after the events. This extended period of mental distress has led to calls for more comprehensive mental health support in communities affected by such tragedies.
The study showed that those aged 18–29 years were at the highest risk of depression, with this age group more than twice as likely to experience MDE compared to those aged 65 and older. Additionally, women had a 58% higher risk of depression than men. The researchers also highlighted the role of social support, finding that individuals with low social support were almost twice as likely to experience depression following a mass shooting.
“Our research revealed a high rate of depression among communities that have experienced mass shootings, and this persisted for several years after the event,” Dr Abba-Aji explained. “The risk of depression varied among persons based on their proximity to the shooting and factors like their social, economic, and psychological backgrounds. This means that the impact of mass shootings is not the same for everyone – it affects people differently and over a long period.”
Another key factor in the study was the role of previous trauma. Participants who had experienced sexual or physical trauma before the shooting were more than twice as likely to develop depression. The findings suggest that pre-existing vulnerabilities significantly amplify the risk of mental health issues following mass shootings.
Interestingly, while those directly exposed to the shootings faced the highest risk of depression, the broader community also experienced elevated levels of distress. This suggests that the ripple effects of such violence extend far beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire neighbourhoods and cities.
“The study’s results emphasise the need for targeted mental health interventions in the aftermath of mass shootings. Experts are calling for a stepped-care approach to address the mental health burden in these communities, ensuring that support is accessible not just immediately after the event but for years to come. Additionally, there are growing calls for stronger gun control measures to reduce the occurrence of such tragedies,” Dr Abba-Aji concluded.
