Being shot often initially feels like a sudden impact or sting, sometimes numbness at first, followed by an intense and excruciating burning sensation that can be compared to a never-ending bee sting, a hot poker being stuck into the body, or a very intense, concentrated sunburn. The pain can be sharp, searing, and radiate outward from the wound. The experience varies based on where the bullet hits and the person's body, with some reporting time distortion and a fight-or-flight mental state that can initially suppress pain awareness. There can also be a sense of wetness from blood and a feeling of shock or numbness that transitions into severe pain. The mental and physical sensations together are often overwhelming, with terror consuming the body as the injury's reality becomes clear.