The Mount Vernon Gazette and Andrea Worker are to be commended for the in-depth, informative article, “September Is Suicide Prevention Month” (Mount Vernon Gazette 9/7-13, 2017). I do however have one suggestion which would dramatically reduce the number of suicide deaths:
Gun owners, lock up your guns. If suicide is a rash, emotional, spur of the moment decision, which I believe it is at least some of the time, this suggestion could thwart one's intention to take their own life. If the gun is not available perhaps they will reach out to one of the listed agencies for life-saving help. If the gun is not physically on your person, please make sure it is locked up.
John K. Bergen
Alexandria