In this country, the number of suicides by firearms is more than the number by all other methods combined. (CDC) Statistically, gun suicide attempts are the most lethal: one study in Canada found that "92 percent of gun suicide attempts result in death, compared to 78 percent of attempts using carbon monoxide or hanging, 67 percent of drowning attempts, and 23 percent of intentional drug overdoses." (Chapdelaine, Samson, and Kimberly 1991, cited in Hemenway 2004)
Several case-control studies have found that having a gun accessible is a risk factor for suicide (eg Brent and Bridge 2003.) In one study on adolescent suicide, it was found that 72 percent of suicide victims had had a gun in their homes, whereas only 37 percent of the controls (non-victims) had guns in their homes. Other risk factors such as mental illness and intention to commit suicide were accounted for in the statistical analysis.
Removing guns from the homes where adolescents are present, especially those with a history of depression or other mental illness, would be an important step in reducing suicides.
Learn more about Suicide: SAVE's Mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, eliminate stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide.