"David's story is more than just dodging a bullet it is a powerful testament to the critical importance of suicide prevention strategies that focus on encouraging temporarily limiting firearm access whether through secure storage at home or transfer away from home. Fresh approaches are desperately needed, since U.S. suicide rates have been steadily rising for two decades. To reverse this trend, we must address access to firearms, which account for 55% of all U.S. suicide deaths."
"This understanding rests on robust evidence: Most individuals who become suicidal do not remain chronically suicidal, even among those with strong intent in the moment. Many suicide attempts occur when an individual becomes rapidly overwhelmed rather than through meticulous planning. For people who decide to end their life during a crisis, the availability of highly lethal means increases the likelihood of death."
David faced marital collapse, recurrent prostate cancer, and two broken vertebrae, leading to deep hopelessness and suicidal ideation. He retrieved his family's heirloom gun and felt it offered escape. A friend asked to hold the gun, temporarily removing access and enabling time for reconsideration. The case illustrates the importance of suicide prevention strategies that encourage temporary limitation of firearm access through secure storage or transfer. U.S. suicide rates have risen for two decades, with firearms causing 55% of suicides. Evidence shows many suicidal crises are time-limited, often impulsive, and that limiting access to highly lethal means reduces suicide risk.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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