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I (F20) really want a gun for self protection but I have a history of suicidal tendencies
updated 1 year ago
2 Members
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Pretty much speaks for itself. I would consider myself a paranoid person but besides that, I still think it would be really stupid to not have a strong self-defense item. I’m a young woman who lives in a pretty rural area. But I have a history of suicidal thoughts and an attempt under my belt already. Should I risk it? Should I maybe try and get a bow and arrow or a really good knife instead? What would y’all suggest?
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I’d say firearms are not an option for you given the circumstance. Sucks to say, but it’s the truth. I’d look into other options. Mace/pepper spray, baton, knives, ect
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German sheppard/Doberman, Louisville slugger, expandable baton, Bo Staff, cross bow….many options, all need training to use proficiently…the way the system is set up, if you’re in the “system”, it may disqualify you for a firearm. Prayers to you and hope you overcome any suicidal thoughts…life is beautiful and we need you here.
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have you reached out for help?
do you have a support network?
if the answers to either of those questions is no, then you need to
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Big dog and taser
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Pepper spray and a defensive mindset.
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Pepper spray and a solid taser.
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POM Pepper spray. If you think having a firearm in the house would put you at more of a risk than not having one I would suggest not getting one.
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Absolutely not. Two thirds of gun deaths are suicides, and gun owners are five times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. Being murdered by an intruder is really a very unlikely thing, in comparison.
Get yourself some really good OC spray. [Read this.](https://reddit.com/r/guns/comments/mpxl3x/best_handgun_for_wilderness_defense/gucqw4f?context=3) It’s kinda a mess, but there’s good info and recommendations in there. If you don’t read that, at [LEAST read this. ](https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/pepper-spray-the-truth.768705/)
A knife is a very bad choice for a fighting weapon. The guy who wins a knife fight is the one who bleeds out on the way to the hospital, instead of on ground at the scene. A bow would honestly be better, if you’re a trained archer. Archery is hard, I wouldn’t recommend trying to learn it while you’re under attack.
[I typed up a more thorough response specifically about knives here. ](https://reddit.com/r/EDC/comments/kvr86n/recommendations_on_a_defensive_style_pocket_knife/gj038vq?context=3)
Depression, anxiety, and mental illness in general are a bitch. I’m fighting my own battle (though I’m lucky enough to not be suicidal), and I’m sorry to hear that you are too. If you’re not already seeing a therapist *that you’re happy with*, I highly suggest checking out PsychologyToday.com. It’s a great website to find therapists in your area. You can sort by specialty, age group, gender, methods, and what insurance they accept. It makes it as easy as it could possibly be – but I know how difficult it is to reach out and ask for help.
Medication helps too. I recently got on SSRIs, and they’re fuckin great. Talk to your doctor if you can. It was honestly so damn painless, but I spent years stressing over it before I finally did it.
Good luck friend, please have a wonderful life and be a kind person.
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Taser & therapy
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Get a dog
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It honestly depends on how long ago your ideation and attempt was. I would definitely get cleared by a psychiatrist first before considering firearm ownership but it isn’t out of the possibility.
Imo first priority should be therapy if not already done so. Then as other’s have suggested, look into adopting a dog. I wouldn’t advise a knife since fighting effectively with a knife requires significant training-moreso than a firearm imo. Pepper spray is an effective deterrent
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A second the taxer and pepper spray. You can get small containers of dog deterrent that are concealable
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As others have stated, start with pepper spray and taser. Please do not risk owning a gun until you have addressed those tendencies.
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Pepper spray, taser (I’d recommend not trying to actually use it until necessary. They have a high failure rate. If anything, the sight and sound would be useful to scare off attackers), a baton, small knife, keyring knuckles, self defense training, and a dog. All great options.
If you doubt yourself with a firearm, absolutely do not get one. Even a knife is really iffy. You are the most important thing, so do not do anything to endanger yourself.
