Letter to the editor: Guns and suicide

For developed countries, life expectancy has been increasing, with one exception: the American white male. In studying this phenomenon, researchers found a correlation between their decrease in life expectancy and an increase in suicide rates. In the U.S., suicides outnumber homicides almost 2 to 1. The increase in suicide rate was noticeable only for U.S. white males.

Suicidal thoughts are mostly temporary. It is an impulsive act in a moment of panic or despair. Nine out of 10 people who survive suicidal attempts never take their lives. However, when a gun is used, the attempt is fatal 85% of the time.

The use of guns in suicide deaths also correlates to state gun laws. In states with lax gun laws, suicide gun deaths are greater than in states with strict laws. For U.S. white males, there is a relationship between suicide rate, gun ownership and lax gun laws.

For the safety of your loved ones, dispose of your firearms or keep them locked away or store them outside the home. And urge our state legislators to enact sensible gun safety laws.

Joanne Garing

North Huntingdon