By Maryann Mason, PhD
Increased Risk
News outlets are reporting sharp increases in firearm purchases in the wake of the spread of coronavirus. There has been a 36 percent increase in background checks from February 2019 to February 2020.1 Research on firearm ownership has established a powerful link between firearm ownership and suicide.2 The inverse is also true — states with less firearm ownership have lower firearm suicide rates.2 Youth are at particular risk for firearm suicide when firearms are present at home.3 With children and youth not in school, the risk of accidental firearm shootings can increase as well.4
What We Can Do
The combination of increased firearm ownership and physical distancing necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic may put some members of our communities at increased risk. Here are some things gun owners and others can do to reduce risk for injury due to firearm suicide and unintentional firearm discharges during this high-risk time of physical distancing.
- Safe storage. All firearms should be stored locked and unloaded in a secure location such as a gun safe or lock box. Access to lock combinations/keys should be closely guarded. Ammunition should be stored separately in a locked container, again with access to lock combinations/keys closely guarded.
- Practice healthy habits to reduce/prevent mental health issues that can arise or worsen with physical distancing. Here are some suggestions:
- Connect with others through virtual means –video chats, group events through video technology.
- Do something for someone else, for example, check in (virtually) on others you know might be struggling with physical distancing.
- Acknowledge positive events –this can uplift feelings of well-being.
- Eat a healthy diet limiting sugar and processed foods and overeating.
- Limit alcohol and other recreational drug intake.
- Exercise! There are many virtual work outs available –try a new one! Create a workout video share group with friends.
- Seek mental health assistance if you need to –many providers are utilizing telemedicine or video sessions. Many insurers are making adjustments and covering these services during this time.
- Maintain any medications you are currently taking –now is not the time to stop taking a prescribed medication.
- Forbes, Mar 16, 2020, Coronavirus Fears Have Led To A Surge In U.S. Gun Sales accessed March 17, 2020 at https://www.forbes.com/news/#1c78b8ce3690).
- Miller M, Lippmann SJ, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Household Firearm Ownership and Rates of Suicide Across the 50 United States. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care: April 2007 – Volume 62 – Issue 4 – p 1029-1035. doi: 10.1097/01.ta.0000198214.24056.4.
- Choi N, DiNitto D, Marti N. Youth firearm suicide: Precipitating/risk factors and gun access. Child and Youth Services Review Volume 83, December 2017, Pages 9-16.
- 4. Grossman DC, Mueller BA, Riedy C, et al. Gun Storage Practices and Risk of Youth Suicide and Unintentional Firearm Injuries. JAMA. 2005;293(6):707–714. doi:10.1001/jama.293.6.707
