Trigger Warning: Suicide
In America, we find ourselves in a complex relationship with firearms. On one side, there’s a strong push for more stringent laws and thorough background checks to mitigate the risks associated with gun ownership. Advocates tirelessly campaign for measures designed to protect against accidental shootings, impulsive acts of violence, and calculated attacks.
Conversely, there are those who cling to their right to bear arms with a fervor that often disregards common sense. For them, mass shootings are labeled as a mental health issue rather than a gun issue. This stigma attached to mental illness is not only harmful but also misguided. While some individuals who commit violent acts may struggle with mental health, the majority of those facing mental health challenges do not resort to violence. Tragically, it is often ourselves that we harm.
The rise in suicide rates across all age groups is alarming, particularly among children and teenagers. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that the rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts among youth have doubled from 2007 to 2015. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, tracking children aged 5 to 18 in 300 emergency rooms across the U.S. Disturbingly, the average age for a child diagnosed with suicidal ideation or an attempt is just 13, with 43% of those affected being as young as 5 to 11 years old.
Before children even reach puberty, they are contemplating ways to end their lives. This is not just a concerning trend; it’s a national crisis that demands urgent attention. The root of this despair can often be traced back to depression, but there are numerous factors contributing to our children’s feeling of hopelessness and exhaustion. Social media is frequently cited as a significant influence on mental health, with excessive screen time and the pressure to gain validation through likes and followers taking a toll. Moreover, the threat of cyberbullying further compounds the issue. If parents aren’t vigilant about their children’s online interactions, they may overlook critical signs of distress.
Today’s youth face an unprecedented level of stress compared to previous generations. Our culture promotes a relentless need to excel academically, athletically, and socially, creating an environment where children feel they must constantly compete or risk being left behind. The pressure to achieve perfect grades and meet lofty expectations is overwhelming.
LGBTQ youth are coming out at younger ages than ever before. While this shift is a positive sign of growing acceptance, it also exposes them to both support and backlash. Many queer youth seek unconditional love and acceptance, yet the reality is mixed; some find acceptance at home but encounter hostility at school, and vice versa. The statistics surrounding self-harm among LGBTQ youth are alarming; studies indicate they are significantly more likely to experience depression and attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
Even when parents are proactive in addressing their children’s mental health needs, finding adequate support can be daunting. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry highlights a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with fewer than 17 providers available for every 100,000 children suffering from mental illness.
The combination of depression and a lack of support can be deadly. Depression distorts reality, convincing individuals that they are burdens and that life won’t improve. As an adult with access to resources, I still face moments of despair. A child with little support, coupled with the ability to access a firearm, poses a grave risk—not to others, but to themselves.
I recall my teenage years, sitting alone with my father’s hunting rifle. It terrified me, yet I understood its potential. Externally, I was the ideal student and athlete; internally, I was struggling with secrets and trauma. When faced with despair, I found the rifle easily accessible in my father’s closet. I contemplated using it as a means to escape my pain. However, the guilt of not leaving a note ultimately led me to put it back.
Parents often worry about their children being harmed outside of their home, neglecting the dangers that can exist within. To eliminate one major risk, consider removing firearms from your residence entirely. If guns are present, ensure they are stored securely—locked away in a safe, not hidden under a bed or on a high shelf. Store ammunition separately, and keep the keys or combinations out of reach of children. For more information on safe gun storage and laws regarding child access, visit this excellent resource.
Be vigilant for signs of depression in your children and act swiftly if you sense something is wrong. Make it impossible for your tweens and teens to access firearms in your home. Remember, not every child will put the gun back.
Summary
The article highlights the rising rates of youth suicides and the link between access to firearms and mental health struggles. It presents a compelling argument for parents to consider removing guns from their homes or ensuring they are stored safely to protect their children. The piece emphasizes the need for awareness, monitoring, and support for children facing mental health challenges.