Two Local Youth Suicides Show the Need for Gun Safety and Mental Health Support
Our community is grieving the loss of two middle school students who died by suicide. In both cases, the young people had access to unsecured firearms. These heartbreaking events are part of a larger and deeply troubling trend. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth in Virginia.
In rural areas like ours, youth suicide is more common. Here’s why:
- Easy access to firearms: guns are more likely to be present and unlocked in homes.
- Firearm lethality: a suicide attempt with a gun is fatal 9 out of 10 times.
- Impulse factor: many youth decide and act within minutes; even a short delay can save a life.
- Isolation and stigma: youth may struggle silently, and signs of distress can go unnoticed.
What can you do? Lock and Talk.
- Lock up firearms: Store guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition.
- Get free gun locks: available through Encompass Community Supports, law enforcement, and your local health departments.
- Talk openly: Ask your kids how they’re feeling. Discuss safety and mental health, especially if they seemed stressed or different.
- Ask other adults: When your child visits a friend or family member, ask how guns are stored in that home.
These tragedies remind us how much we all matter in keeping kids safe. We are a strong, caring community—let’s show that care by making sure guns are stored safely, and by checking in with the young people in our lives.
We work with Fauquier Mental Health Association to offer Mental Health First Aid training. It teaches how to spot a mental health crisis, how to talk about it, and how to help. You can sign up here:
https://www.fauquier-mha.org/mental-health-first-aid-courses
Need help finding a counselor or therapist? The Fauquier Mental Health Association’s website has a list of local providers. You can also call your child’s school counselor for support and guidance.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is here:
- Call or text 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call (540) 617-0774 – ECS’ 24/7 Crisis Services Line
Keeping firearms locked, unloaded, and ammunition stored separately reduces suicide and accidental injury risk by about 70%. Lock and talk. It could save a life.