Guns, Suicide, and Mental Illness: A Roundtable Discussion

Recently, our country got a wake-up call. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing that from 1999 through 2017, the national suicide rate increased 33 percent. This increase, which is consistent across all demographics, puts the suicide death rate at its highest level in at least 50 years. Additionally, over the last 10 years, the age-adjusted firearm suicide rate increased 19 percent.

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Policy Analyst Dakota Jablon, Executive Editor Bryan Barks, and Director of Public Health Programs Vicka Chaplin came together to share thoughts on firearm suicide, mental illness, and laws that can save lives. Their conversation is below.

What drives your passion for suicide prevention?

Dakota Jablon (DJ): Suicide is a leading cause of death in this country — yet I often feel like no one talks about it. It’s a very misunderstood and stigma-ridden topic. As a suicide attempt survivor myself, I’ve long felt this deep shame and stigma. It was just last year that I openly admitted to my past suicidality. People are often shocked when I tell them, because I don’t fit the “mold” of someone who they think would be suicidal. I think that’s why it’s so important to share my story and be an advocate — to give a face in a way to what suicide prevention is.