Suicide: The Real Gun Crisis We Don't Talk About

As a nation, we're in the midst of a gun crisis. But it's not the one you think. We're not talking about mass shootings or gun violence. We're talking about suicide.

Moms, in particular, are affected by this issue. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young adults aged 18-24, and moms are often left to grapple with the aftermath of losing a child to suicide. Of course, people of color are also disproportionately impacted by suicide rates. In 2018, Native Americans had the highest rate of suicide among all ethnic groups.

We need to start talking about this issue more openly and honestly if we want to make any progress in addressing it. That's why I'm writing this blog post - to start a conversation about an issue that's too often left unspoken.

Suicide is the leading cause of death from gun violence accounting for more than half of US gun deaths (54%).

Though gun violence claims many lives in the US every year, suicide is actually the leading cause of death from guns, accounting for more than half of all gun deaths. This is often surprising to people, as media coverage tends to focus on mass shootings. However, it's important to remember that the majority of gun deaths are actually self-inflicted.

Child and adolescent death by suicide has increased by 80% over the last decade.

Firearm related suicides involving children are 4 times more likely with a gun in the home. While there are many factors that contribute to suicide, one of the most significant is access to firearms. Children and adolescents who live in homes with guns are four times more likely to die by suicide than those who don't have access to firearms.

A CDC survey showed that more than 1 in 3 high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and nearly 1 in 5 teens experience major depression by the age of 18.

Teen depression is a serious problem that can lead to a decline in academic performance, an increase in risky behaviors, and even suicide. Despite the seriousness of the problem, however, most teens do not receive any treatment for their depression. This is often due to a lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression, or a belief that depression is not a real medical condition. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be depressed, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with depression can significantly improve their symptoms.

Talk to your child if you notice any changes in their behavior or emotional state - and don't hesitate to get them help. Be more concerned with their safety than their privacy.

It can be difficult to know how to talk to your children about sensitive topics, but it's important to have these conversations sooner rather than later. If you notice any changes in your child's behavior or emotional state, take the time to sit down and talk with them. It's also important to be more concerned with their safety than their privacy - if you think they might be in danger, don't hesitate to get them help. Remember, your child's wellbeing is always more important than anything else.