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

Adolescents and Substance Use Disorders

Zach Sneed, Ph.D., discussed the effects of substance abuse on adolescents and their families, and how substance abuse counseling can help.

Health

TTUHSC Opens New Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour for the new Your Life Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic March 1, 2023.

Health

Prioritize Your Wellness in 2023

Do you like to make New Year’s resolutions? Many people aren’t into that sort of thing, viewing it as a useless or fruitless activity since the resolutions are so difficult to keep. Often the difficulty comes from creating resolutions that are too ambiguous, or too ambitious. Good resolutions, like good goals, should be specific, attainable, and measurable (S-A-M).

Recent Stories

Research

Researchers Study the Impact of Cancer on Hispanic Patients and Their Caregivers

TTUHSC Cytogenetic Technologist Jasbir Bisht and a team from P. Hemachandra Reddy’s internal medicine laboratory analyzed the impact of cancer in Hispanics in comparison to other ethnic groups.

Education

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down syndrome Day was established to raise awareness about Down syndrome and to promote inclusion and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in all aspects of society.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.