Pellet gun wounds can trigger depression, PTSD, substance abuse; doctor explains lasting mental health impact | Exclusive

New Delhi: Pellet gun injuries can leave scars that extend far beyond physical wounds, particularly when they affect vision or cause permanent disability. Survivors may have to cope with sudden changes in their independence, appearance, daily life and future plans, while memories of the incident can continue to affect their emotional well-being. A 2018 study of pellet gun victims in Kashmir found several psychiatric conditions among those examined, highlighting the mental health burden that can accompany such injuries.

The findings have gained attention again amid recent protests where pellet use has become part of the public debate. In an exclusive communication with News9 Digital, Dr Archana Sharma, Senior Consultant – Psychology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, explained how severe trauma and visual impairment can contribute to conditions such as depression, PTSD and adjustment disorders. She also shared the warning signs families should watch for and stressed the importance of timely professional support.

Pellet gun victim recalls trauma

A pellet gun injury left a Srinagar resident with permanent vision loss in one eye. The victim recalled the moment when everything went blank after the shot struck his eye.

He described the sensation as feeling like “hot iron” inside his eye, accompanied by a burning sensation. A decade later, the memory remains vivid. He continues to be under psychiatric supervision in Srinagar.

His experience reflects the long-term burden faced by pellet gun victims who continue to seek treatment from psychiatrists and ophthalmologists for physical and psychological consequences of their injuries.

Kashmir study highlights

A research paper conducted against the backdrop of the 2016 protests by the Government Medical College, Srinagar, in 2018, examined 380 pellet gun victims. In the incident, around 6,000 locals were affected by pellet injuries.

Among victims with eye injuries, 30.38 per cent reported depression, while 16.92 per cent had adjustment disorder, 13.08 per cent experienced panic disorder and 10.77 per cent reported PTSD.

The study also documented psychiatric conditions among victims with grievous injuries. Of the 380 cases, 219 (57.63 per cent) had simple pellet gun injuries, while 161 (42.37 per cent) suffered grievous injuries.

Among those with grievous injuries, 65 of the 161 cases had depression, followed by PTSD, adjustment disorder and panic disorder, according to the study.

Eye injuries were the most common, affecting 260 victims, while 100 reported injuries to their limbs.

It is to be noted that pellet shotgun cartridges can contain up to 500 pellets.

What doctor says about psychological trauma

Explaining why severe injuries, particularly those involving vision, can affect mental health, Dr Archana Sharma said, “Trauma from severe accidents and especially those involving visual impairment leaves deeper psychological impacts on the individual in the form of psychological wounds. In addition to the loss of independence, changes in one’s body image, chronic pain, and the lack of clarity regarding the future, this can lead to conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.”

Dr Sharma stated that younger people may be particularly vulnerable because trauma during a developmental stage can affect emotional stability, education, social life and future prospects.

“Families need to be aware of the symptoms of prolonged sadness, social isolation, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, sleeping problems, lack of interest in day-to-day activities, and increased fear, as this might signal the onset of psychological problems that require professional help,” she explained.

Untreated psychological problems can also affect physical recovery, according to Dr Sharma. “When left untreated, such problems will interfere with the physical healing process in terms of low motivation to rehabilitate, treatment non-adherence, and poor quality of life in general.”

She further stressed the importance of family support, social acceptance and rehabilitation services in helping survivors regain confidence and cope with disabilities or loss of vision.

“Suffering from a psychological trauma and seeking counselling services does not make one weak. On the contrary, it is necessary for recovery and resilience,” Dr Sharma stated.

The physical wound may be visible, but recovery from a traumatic injury can involve much more than treating the affected body part. Recognising psychological distress early and seeking professional support can help survivors cope with the lasting effects of trauma.