Gun ownership and mental health

Dr Chris Garrett, founder and medical director of ShootCert Ltd, talks about depression, gun ownership and licence renewals in this article for My Countryside magazine.

Mental health issues, particularly depression, are increasingly common in today’s society, yet misconceptions remain about how they impact gun ownership and licensing. It’s essential to adopt a common-sense approach, especially when it comes to applying for or renewing firearms licences.

Mental health 

Statistics show that one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England. This issue is even more prevalent among younger generations and one in three 18-24-year-olds report some form of mental health challenge. 

However, many people, particularly in older generations, often struggle to acknowledge mental health concerns and fail to seek help. This is further complicated by concerns over gun ownership: misconceptions that a history of depression may result in the loss or denial of a gun licence prevent some from getting the help they need.

Depression and gun licensing 

Contrary to popular belief, depression is not an automatic barrier to obtaining or renewing a gun licence. The Home Office recognises that many people experience depression at various stages of life, such as after bereavement. The current statutory guidance provided to police explicitly states that past treatment for conditions like depression or stress does not automatically disqualify someone from holding a firearms licence. 

In fact, the police do not have a policy of denying licences based on mental health conditions alone. Departments across the country have been proactive in clarifying their stance, making it clear that mental health issues, including depression, do not automatically prevent someone from obtaining or renewing a gun licence. Rather, they work closely with applicants, GPs, and third-party providers like ShootCert to ensure fair and reasonable outcomes. 

The police’s main concern is ensuring that applicants are safe and responsible gun owners. A history of depression does not inherently make someone unsafe, and a gun licence can still be granted if the condition is properly managed. But the key to maintaining that trust is transparency.

Seeking help and staying informed 

If you are a gun owner experiencing mental health issues, it is vital to seek help without hesitation. Here’s how you can manage both your mental health and your gun licence:

1. Consult your GP

 If you experience any signs of depression, make an appointment with your GP. Discuss your symptoms openly and work together on a treatment plan. Your health is far more important than any concerns you might have about your gun licence, and seeking help early is always the best course of action. 

2. Communicate with the police firearms department

Honesty is key when it comes to your firearms licence and if you have any relevant medical conditions, inform your local police firearms department. The police want to work with you, but failing to disclose a mental health condition may harm your chances of renewing your licence later on, as the police place a high value on trust.

3. Engage with professional services like ShootCert

When it comes to licence renewals, if your GP is uncooperative or unclear about providing a medical certificate, seek help from a trusted third-party provider like ShootCert. ShootCert ensures that any mental health history is presented with full context .This means explaining the cause, duration, treatment and recovery of any condition, rather than just ticking a box on the form. With a clear and comprehensive medical record, police firearms departments are much more likely to approve your renewal.

4. Keep shooting – for your wellbeing

Shooting is not just a hobby; it can be a powerful contributor to mental health and wellbeing. Numerous studies highlight the positive impact of activities like shooting and the mental health benefits of fresh air, exercise, and social interaction should not be underestimated.

Find out more at shootcert.co.uk