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Suicide Awareness and Prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
Free, confidential support available by call or text, 24/7, for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. - Crisis Text Line (crisistextline.org, text TALK to 741741)
Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support connecting people with trained crisis counselors. - Veterans Crisis Line (veteranscrisisline.net): Free, confidential support available by call (Dial 988 then Press 1), text (838255), or chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat), 24/7 to all Veterans and their loved ones.
The data is clear. Sadly, nearly 60 % of suicides are committed with a firearm. As firearms owners and educators, promoting firearm safety and preventing firearm suicides needs to be a top priority. At AWA, our focus is on helping women defend the lives of themselves and those in their care and this includes defending against self-harm! There are a number of resources that you can access and share.
Statistics and image courtesy of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
AFSP Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.
- Understanding Firearms and Suicide Prevention
Explains the link between firearm access and suicide risk, and how secure storage practices can save lives. - Protecting Yourself and Others
Practical guidance on recognizing warning signs and creating a safety plan, with a focus on limiting access to lethal means during a crisis. - Information for Firearms Ranges, Retailers, and Instructors
Guidance for range staff, gun shop employees, and instructors on recognizing at-risk customers and having supportive conversations. - Suicide Prevention Resources
A hub page linking to AFSP’s broader library of educational materials, fact sheets, and support tools. - What to Do When Someone Is at Risk: Step-by-step guidance for recognizing warning signs and taking action to help someone who may be considering suicide.
- After An Attempt
Support and next-step guidance for people who have survived a suicide attempt. - Supporting Your Loved One After a Suicide Attempt: Guidance for family and friends on how to provide meaningful support during recovery.
- Living with Suicide Loss: Resources and community support for those grieving the loss of someone to suicide.
- Real Stories of Hope & Healing: AFSP’s blog featuring first-person stories of resilience, recovery, and healing.
AFSP & NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation)
- Brave Conversation
A joint AFSP/NSSF initiative encouraging secure firearm storage conversations among gun owners. - Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Practical tools and talking points to help firearm owners and retailers support suicide prevention through secure storage. braveconversation.org/articles/suicide-prevention-toolkit
AFSP & Project ChildSafe
- A Guide for Parents (PDF)
Understanding Youth Mental Health and Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms (PDF). Guidance for parents on youth mental health warning signs and steps to keep firearms secured from children and teens. - A Tip Sheet for Parents (PDF)
A quick-reference sheet with key facts and conversation starters for parents on youth mental health and firearm safety. - Discussing Mental Health
Guidance for parents on talking openly with kids about mental health and emotional wellbeing.