Handgun Ownership and Suicide

distressed woman with her head in her hands

Suicide is an uncomfortable topic, and the stigma surrounding the topic itself can lead to decreased ability to prevent these tragic events. The primary risk factors for suicide are substance abuse and mental illness, primarily depression. Both are very common diagnoses that, while treatable, are often recognized too late.

While these underlying factors have almost always been present in individuals for a while before the impulse arrises, the impulse to commit suicide itself is often limited to a relatively short period of time, during which an intervention may save that person’s life.

One factor that increases the risk of completed suicide is easy access to a lethal method. In the United States, the most common lethal method is a handgun. When a gun is used in a suicide attempt, 90% will result in death – a much higher percentage than with most other means. In fact, of all gun-related deaths in the US, the majority – 60% – are from suicide rather than homicide, as is commonly assumed.

Steps to reduce this risk include removing access to guns for those at risk of suicide, particularly those who are currently suffering from depression, anxiety disorders or substance abuse. Guns in the home should always be securely locked, with ammunition also locked and stored separately, to reduce the risk to all in the household, particularly children and teenagers who are particularly vulnerable.

Read more about this topic within this Stanford Medicine News article

Sharmila Dissanaike, MD

Sharmila Dissanaike contributed this information as member of the Laura Bush Institute's Scientific Council

Sharmila Dissanaike, MD, is a University Distinguished Professor and Surgical Chairman at TTUHSC in Lubbock. She is a clinically active trauma, burn and acute care surgeon who has won over 50 awards for clinical, academic, and research excellence during her career. Dr. Dissanaike is internationally known as an advocate for the advancement and equality of women in surgery and the sciences.

 

Suicide is complex and often caused by multiple factors, not a single event. Help is available, including the crisis hotlines listed below or speaking to a medical professional.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
Military/Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-TALK (8255) - Press 1
Crisis Text Line: 741741
(Resources found at Action Alliance Resources.)

Related Stories

Health

The Future of Health: Musculoskeletal Care for Expectant Mothers

Dr. Deborah Y. Edwards, PT, DPT, ScD, OCS, discusses musculoskeletal care during pregnancy.

Health

Historic collaboration brings shipping container-based health care clinic to Jeff Davis County

Texas A&M Health and TTUHSC joined with the student-led organization, Texas A&M BUILD—along with local leadership and other collaborators—to unveil a new, innovative medical care facility for a Trans-Pecos region rural community: a 40-foot, retro-fitted shipping container.

Health

Concert, Art Exhibit Celebrate End of Two-Week Arts Program for Individuals with Aphasia

Families, friends and members of the Lubbock community showed their support for the arts and those with aphasia at a June 12 concert and art exhibit marking the end of a two-week arts camp.

Recent Stories

Health

The Future of Health: Musculoskeletal Care for Expectant Mothers

Dr. Deborah Y. Edwards, PT, DPT, ScD, OCS, discusses musculoskeletal care during pregnancy.

Research

Logsdon Receives Grant to Study Vascular Side of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Supported by a three-year, $578,211 grant from the National Institutes of Health-National Institute on Aging, Aric F. Logsdon, Ph.D., will study how brain endothelial cells, or blood vessels within the brain, handle the stressors of neuroinflammation.

Health

Historic collaboration brings shipping container-based health care clinic to Jeff Davis County

Texas A&M Health and TTUHSC joined with the student-led organization, Texas A&M BUILD—along with local leadership and other collaborators—to unveil a new, innovative medical care facility for a Trans-Pecos region rural community: a 40-foot, retro-fitted shipping container.