Does Owning a Gun Increase Suicide Risk? What You Need to Know

When it comes to gun ownership, much of the public conversation focuses on crime and safety—but there’s another risk that often gets overlooked: suicide. Research consistently shows that having access to a firearm significantly increases the risk of dying by suicide.

The Lethality Factor

One of the key reasons guns increase suicide risk is lethality. Firearms are highly efficient and often fatal. Studies show that about 85–90% of suicide attempts with a gun result in death, whereas other methods often have lower fatality rates. This means that when a person is in crisis, having a gun nearby can turn a temporary impulse into a permanent tragedy.

Impulsivity Matters

Suicide attempts are often impulsive. Many people act in the heat of a short-term crisis, lasting minutes to hours. If a highly lethal method is immediately available, there is little opportunity to rethink or seek help. In contrast, attempts using less lethal means often allow time for intervention or second thoughts.

The Statistics

Research consistently shows a strong correlation between gun access and suicide risk:

• People living in homes with guns have higher overall suicide rates.
• Owning a handgun is linked to a substantially higher risk of suicide, particularly by firearm.
• Importantly, guns don’t make someone more suicidal, but they increase the chance that a suicide attempt will be fatal.

What Can Be Done

Experts emphasize means safety, which is the practice of reducing access to lethal methods during vulnerable moments. Simple measures can save lives:

• Storing firearms unloaded and locked.
• Keeping ammunition in a separate, secure location.
• Using temporary storage options during a crisis.

Even small steps can provide the critical time needed to seek help and prevent tragedy.

Bottom Line

Owning a gun comes with serious responsibilities—one of them is understanding its impact on suicide risk. The evidence is clear: access to firearms increases the likelihood of death in moments of crisis. Awareness, safe storage, and support can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reaching out is vital. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. (call or text 988) or seek local resources.

Your safety matters. And small actions can make a life-saving difference.