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I think the stats are that suicide by gun shows far more successful percentage than most other attempts. And I believe there's evidence that thwarted attempts o
by quadrangle 12y ago
I think the stats are that suicide by gun shows far more successful percentage than most other attempts. And I believe there's evidence that thwarted attempts often work out for the better. Essentially, if the only options for suicide fundamentally required a persistent decision over time to carry out rather than a spur-of-the-moment decision, there's an argument that it would be better for society and for suicidal people overall.
- dllthomas 12y agoNote that I didn't say there wouldn't be any improvement. The statistics do show guns more effective than, for instance, overdose. However: 1) it is still the case that the method is more likely to change than the result; and 2) it is likely that means is not assigned randomly, and those more intent on ending their life pick more lethal means - absent guns, some comparably lethal means remain readily available.
- quadrangle 12y agoI'm really not an expert here, but I heard an argument that guns aren't chosen more in some sort of thought-out way like you describe. Instead, guns are there already, and get used by people who realize that there is a gun and they might even not make the attempt otherwise. Regarding suicide, I have much less concern about guns as a method than I do about any sort of lethal tool being available on short notice instead of a situation that requires persistent determination and waiting.