Posted by detroitpistons on January 14, 2010, at 18:43:51
I really wish it wasn't so easy to buy a gun. My friend committed suicide last week. He had a history of depression, but had never been properly treated for it. I think he was in denial about it.
He had attempted suicide years ago while in the Army and was put on medication, but he eventually went off of it. A few months ago, he went on Zoloft (through a family doctor) and then went off of it. I urged him not to do it and to see a psychiatrist instead of a family doctor. Again, I think he was in denial. He was always a "tough guy."
He bought a gun months ago. He had previously had a CCW and used to carry a pistol when working as an armed guard, and like I said, he was also in the Army. In light of this, it wasn't a huge surprise that he bought the gun. He enjoyed target practice.
He had had a lot of career problems. He had obtained a business degree and couldn't find a job. He finally decided to go into law enforcement, and he had been accepted into an independent police academy, despite concerns that his depression history would prevent him from becoming a policeman.
It finally seemed like things were on track for him, and he seemed to be doing fine. I had seen him just before Christmas and he was in good spirits.
Last week, he unexpectedly used his gun to end his life after having had an argument with his wife. He had been drinking.
I firmly believe that he wouldn't have taken his life had it not been for that gun and/or if he wasn't drunk.
It should be harder to get a gun. I have a history of depression, but I could probably go out and buy a gun right now....You can say he would've done it anyways, but possessing the gun made it a heck of a lot easier for him to carry out his impulsive decision in a drunken state.
For the love of god, don't buy a gun!
poster:detroitpistons
thread:933660
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100113/msgs/933660.html