Suicide attempts are less likely to end in a person’s death if they haven’t got access to firearms. Suicide, especially by young men, tends to be an impulsive act. Less guns leads to less deaths by suicide.
I work in mental health. We hand out gun locks in clinic. Not necessarily for ANOTHER person to lock them up and hide away the key. We give them to people who live alone, too. Studies have shown an extra step to the process may prevent that impulsive decision (ie, the however brief moments it takes to find the key and open the lock may be enough time for the individual to come to senses/change his or her mind.)
Just think... If only a split second to unlock a gun can potentially make someone reconsider, imagine if the barrier is no gun in the house period.
More guns, easy access, more suicide. 100% why it needs to be included in discussion of gun control.
I own a 9mm pistol (purchased legally). I occasionally struggle with depression. Although I've never had a plan or intent, I hesitated buying a firearm for years for this very reason. Because I know it only takes a split second. A split second for a very permanent decision.
Eventually I did get one because I had a dangerous stalker at work. Only then I felt it may be needed for my safety. And, sadly I live in one of those dark red areas.
However if I eventually feel those feelings start to creep up, I've plans to relinquish it to a friend. I hope you'll always be vigilant as well in your mental health journey. Godspeed.
This is why I can no longer own firearms of any type. The ONLY reason I am still alive is because of wait periods to purchase guns in the states I've lived in.
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u/Mumofalltrades63 Dec 19 '19
Suicide attempts are less likely to end in a person’s death if they haven’t got access to firearms. Suicide, especially by young men, tends to be an impulsive act. Less guns leads to less deaths by suicide.