Alternatively, should I just focus on getting in shape and get some pepper spray or something?

  • EnsignRedshirt [he/him]@hexbear.net
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    1 year ago

    In Canada, gun laws require firearms to be stored unloaded, in a locked container, with a trigger lock, and that ammo be stored separately. All of the above are measures to delay the use of a firearm, which reduces the chances of it being discharged accidentally or in a moment of intense emotion. If you feel you need to be armed when leaving the house, but can live without it when at home, then taking the above steps will make it less likely that you’ll use it on yourself.

    Without getting into the debate about gun safety, you are more likely to kill yourself with a gun if you have access to a gun, and if you want to get rid of the possibility, then you need to get rid of the gun. Gun ranges often have storage lockers for guns, iirc, so you could leave your gun at a range for a while if you didn’t want to get rid of it. Your safest move is to get rid of it.

    I’m really sorry to hear that you’re experiencing suicidal ideation. I hope that you have some pathway to addressing the underlying issues causing them. It would be worth seeking out whatever resources are available, as well as let your friends and loved ones in on the fact that you haven’t been doing well. However, be careful about talking openly about suicide with people you don’t explicitly trust to not freak out. Well-meaning people can end up calling emergency, which never helps because it just means the cops get involved, and you get put on a watchlist, or taken to a hospital, etc. Talking about being depressed, lonely, or stressed is usually safe, and can be cathartic if you talk to the right people.