When Every Second Counts: Why Reducing Access Saves Lives

You know that split second when everything hangs in the balance? When a man’s world has crumbled and he’s staring into the abyss? In those moments, the difference between life and death often comes down to one simple thing: what’s within reach. It’s not dramatic. It’s not heroic. It’s just real. And for too many men, that reality ends in tragedy simply because the means were there when the moment struck.

The Science Behind Survival Moments

Here’s what researchers discovered when they dug deep into the data. Limitation of access to lethal methods used for suicide—so-called means restriction—is an important population strategy for suicide prevention. Many empirical studies have shown that such means restriction is effective. Although some individuals might seek other methods, many do not; when they do, the means chosen are less lethal and are associated with fewer deaths than when more dangerous ones are available.

Dr. Keith Hawton, one of the world’s leading suicide prevention researchers, puts it plainly: most suicide attempts are impulsive acts driven by temporary crises. When the most lethal means aren’t immediately available, people often don’t substitute with other methods. They survive.

The numbers tell the story that saves lives. Where particular bridges have become known as sites for suicide by jumping, installing barriers or nets has been shown to be effective, reducing suicides at these sites by an average of 91%. When the UK restricted paracetamol sales in 1998, early data suggested that mortality and morbidity associated with paracetamol overdose declined as a result, with little evidence for substitution to other kinds of analgesics.

Why This Matters for Men

The statistics are stark. In 2023, men died by suicide 3.8 times more than women. White males accounted for 68.13% of suicide deaths in 2023. The reason? Men typically choose more lethal methods. Compared to women, men generally use more violent methods for suicide, such as suicide by firearm. For example, approximately 60% of male suicides are by firearm, whereas just over 30% of female suicides include use of a firearm.

This difference matters because suicide attempts by firearm result in death in nearly 90% of cases. With other suicide methods such as overdose, suffocation/hanging, and self-piercing/burning, death is the result in less than 10% of these cases.

The research on firearms is particularly sobering. Men who own handguns are eight times more likely to die of gun suicides than men who don’t own handguns. A massive California study following 26.3 million residents found that state-level firearm ownership was associated with an increase in both male and female firearm-related suicide rates and with a decrease in nonfirearm-related suicide rates. Higher gun ownership was associated with higher suicide rates by any means among male, but not among female, persons.

A Biblical Foundation for Protecting Life

Scripture speaks powerfully about the preservation of life. In Psalm 32:7, David declares: “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” The Hebrew word for “preserve” carries deep meaning – it speaks of God putting a protective hedge around us, guarding our every move.

This divine protection extends to our responsibility toward others. “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph understood that God’s purpose included preserving life, even through difficult circumstances. When we remove lethal means during crisis moments, we become instruments of that preservation.

The Lord promises in Psalm 91:14-15: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Sometimes that deliverance comes through the simple act of removing immediate danger when someone can’t think clearly.

Take Action: Practical Steps That Save Lives

1. Secure Firearms Immediately

If someone in your life is struggling, temporarily remove firearms from their immediate access. Store them elsewhere or use gun locks. Firearms are used in half of all suicides in the United States, yet restricting access of at-risk individuals to firearms is underutilized in this country. This isn’t about politics – it’s about buying time when time means everything.

2. Control Medication Access

Remove large quantities of prescription medications, especially painkillers and sleep aids. Keep only daily doses available. Many overdose attempts happen impulsively with whatever is in the medicine cabinet.

3. Limit Access to Other Methods

Think like someone in crisis might think. Remove or secure ropes, belts, and other potentially harmful items during acute periods. Emergency department providers found that lethal means restriction counseling addressing multiple suicide modalities was needed to reduce risk of suicide since not all attempts involve firearms.

4. Create Physical Distance from High-Risk Locations

If someone has mentioned specific locations like bridges or buildings, help them avoid those areas during vulnerable times. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing routes or having someone accompany them.

5. Involve Others in the Plan

Don’t do this alone. Emergency department staff report that the greatest proportion thought it was the responsibility of a psychiatrist (84%), although large proportions thought it was also the responsibility of a psychiatric nurse to address means restriction. Get professional help and involve trusted family members or friends.

Try This Today

Right now, if someone you care about has been struggling, do one thing: have an honest conversation. Ask directly: “Are you thinking about ending your life?” If the answer is yes, immediately remove the most lethal means available. Don’t wait for a crisis. For many men, their first attempt at suicide is fatal, whereas women are more likely to live through a first attempt.

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (just dial 988) for immediate support and guidance. They’ll help you create a safety plan that includes means restriction strategies tailored to your specific situation.

The Bottom Line

Means restriction isn’t about controlling people – it’s about buying precious time when the mind isn’t thinking clearly. Means restriction is one of the few empirically based strategies to substantially reduce the number of suicide deaths. In those critical moments when a man feels like there’s no way out, removing the means can be the difference between a temporary crisis and a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how exercise can be a powerful ally in maintaining mental health through different stages of life – because building strength isn’t just about muscles.

🆘 Crisis support and lifesaving resources

Resources

Dale

See Full Bio