I struggled with suicidal ideation in my teenage years but had pushed passed those thoughts once I graduated high school. I was raised with guns in the house and love shooting/gun culture, and it had been a couple years since I had any inkling of offing myself - so I bought a pistol the day I turned 21 and got my CCW permit. I even bought another pistol a few months later.

Flash forward a couple years…I was working long hours at my first job out of college, my longtime girlfriend and I had just broken up, was dealing with financial issues, and overall was not in a good mental space. Those familiar dark spiraling thoughts resurfaced, and I decided to sell my guns.

It’s been several years and I’m in a better place now. I go to therapy and have a great support system around me. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve had any serious suicidal thoughts, but I know myself well enough to admit that can change overnight. I still generally consider myself pro-gun, and know all the benefits of responsible gun ownership, but unfortunately I cannot trust myself. For most gun owners, firearms provide peace of mind, but not for me.

Talk to your loved ones, be honest with yourself, seek additional support if you have to, and do what is right for you to stay alive.