National 20,000+ Americans a year kill themselves with a gun. Alarmed gun sellers are joining the fight.

[Joe Link]

Gun sellers emerge as unlikely ally in fight against suicides

Read More

 

[nmwabbit]

I am sooo tickled the Utah gun range and others businesses got such a free self-serving national promotional blurb for their business. [BTW in this and other self promoting blurbs anybody notice any mention whatsoever of the causes & signs of suicide - WHY NOT?]

That the self promotion was presented on the back of a MH issue is disgusting to say the least. [did anybody else miss any mention of $$ or volunteerism contributions from the range to the local suicide prevention centers?]

For the record, the National Shooting Sports Foundation in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have been working together for many years with educational promotional material for presentation to attendees [read retailer, range owners, LE. Military, etc] at the SHOT show, all without fanfare or national self promotions.

Now to practice what i preach, PLEASE take the time to familiarize yourself with these signs and act accordingly:
From Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Suicide quote:

While there's no single cause, suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed a child or an adult's ability to cope. Generally, untreated or undiagnosed mental health issues, particularly depression, greatly influence suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suggests these three areas: HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY.
Health factors

• Mental health conditions
• Substance abuse disorders
• Alcohol abuse disorders
• Serious or chronic health conditions
• Chronic pain
• Limited access to healthcare
• Sleeping difficulties

Environmental factors

• Stressful life events including death, divorce, or separation or job loss
• Prolonged stress factors including harassment, bullying, relationship problems
• Financial or school difficulties
• Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
• Exposure to suicide in the media or community

Historical factors

• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide attempts
• History of self-harm
• Recent hospitalization
• Cultural beliefs that support suicide

Now, familiarize yourself for signals that warn suicide may be imminent. The American Foundation of Suicide suggests these three areas: TALK, BEHAVIOR, MOOD.
Talk

• Being a burden to others
• Feeling trapped
• Talking about feeling hopeless and helpless
• Experiencing unbearable pain
• Expressing there's no reason to live
• Poor problem solving

Behavior

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Accessing lethal means
• Acting recklessly
• Withdrawing from activities
• Isolating from family and friends
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
• Giving away prized possessions
• Hopelessness about the future

Mood

• Depression
• Loss of interest
• Rage
• Irritability
• Humiliation
• Anxiety
• Impulsivity
• Despair
• Sudden sense of peacefulness

Unquote
If you encounter individuals displaying changes in mood, behaviour, or talk, do not hesitate to ASK in a commanding & startling voice [not anger voice] if the individual is contemplating suicide in the immediate timeframe, press them for an answer in the same voice until they respond! if YES is the answer stay with the individual and immediately notify 911 of the emergency!

DO NOT TRY TO TALK THEM OUT OF IT, THEY NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE & MH EVALUATION IMMEDIATELY!

 

[joefoam]

I just wish that they would take the number of suicides out of the total gun deaths. It really skews the statistics and gives gun grabbers more leverage.

 

[billdeserthill]

I just wish that they would take the number of suicides out of the total gun deaths. It really skews the statistics and gives gun grabbers more leverage.

I agree,
Suicides marked as gun deaths are BS-- people commit suicide all over the world, what difference does it make how someone kills themselves?