[Grkgjohn]

I have always liked guns way before I knew I was bp.although I et psychotic at times the seroquel works wonders. Do you think people with bp and psychosis should own guns?

[Anneinside]

Although you have a right to own a gun within the laws of your community, I would think twice before getting one if I had suicidal tendencies (Like me). I know when I think about buying a gun I am in real trouble with my depression.

[Yoda]

I could write a lengthy post about gun safety and reasons why people choose to own a firearm and why some people should not own guns but I will be concise.

There are different reasons why people own guns. Why would you choose to own one?

What do you mean you have always "liked" guns? Do you have any experience with firearms? Do you know gun safety?

[Grkgjohn]

Originally Posted by Yoda

I could write a lengthy post about gun safety and reasons why people choose to own a firearm and why some people should not own guns but I will be concise.

There are different reasons why people own guns. Why would you choose to own one?

What do you mean you have always "liked" guns? Do you have any experience with firearms? Do you know gun safety?

I own 45 guns mostly handguns,I am a member of NRA,I know gun safety and have took all of the NRA gun courses on safety. I have always had an interest in guns and was shooting with my father at age of 10 years old and I am 40 now. I have even won state championships 6 times. I can take a gun apart and put it back together. So yes not only do I know gun safty but I am very good with guns.

[Grkgjohn]

Originally Posted by Anneinside

Although you have a right to own a gun within the laws of your community, I would think twice before getting one if I had suicidal tendencies (Like me). I know when I think about buying a gun I am in real trouble with my depression.

I did not say I was thinking about getting a gun,I already hhave 45 guns.

[thinker22]

WARNING: do not read if you are suicidal or easily triggered

Interesting question. Knowing that you already have 45 and are an enthusiast, I can't say much to knock your hobby. I only know that I myself have considered getting one for protection, but decided that a taser would probably be a better choice. Why? Because when I get suicidally depressed, it would be way too easy to end it all. I have a collection of swords and daggers and I have more than once taken the blade to my chest, but didn't plunge it in. A trigger pull would be much easier.

[Grkgjohn]

Originally Posted by thinker22

WARNING: do not read if you are suicidal or easily triggered

Interesting question. Knowing that you already have 45 and are an enthusiast, I can't say much to knock your hobby. I only know that I myself have considered getting one for protection, but decided that a taser would probably be a better choice. Why? Because when I get suicidally depressed, it would be way too easy to end it all. I have a collection of swords and daggers and I have more than once taken the blade to my chest, but didn't plunge it in. A trigger pull would be much easier.

Wow! I am sorry to hear that you have been at the breaking pint so many times. Yes,that would be an easy way out of all your problems but there are other ways to deal with them as well. I was at the point of killing myself but knew it was not going to do anything but put me at ease,everyone around me would have even more to deal with. I wish you well and hope you never get to that point againa nd if you do you can email me at pony81@msn.com and we can talk.

[thinker22]

Oh don't worry about me. I'm on a great meds combo and hardly ever think about suicide any more...and even when I do, I have no intention to act on it because I know it would hurt the people who love me too much. I've had a partner for the past 6 years who has helped me through all my trials and says I'm easier to get along with than all of his previous relationships. We totally respect each other. If I ever get super down again, I know to go to the hospital because I have too much to live for.

I really feel great on my current meds and don't forsee a future plunge into depression. Not having a gun just makes me feel extra safe. That and always being around my guy. He's the best. Sorry if my post sounded scary, it wasn't meant to be.

[Grkgjohn]

Originally Posted by thinker22

Oh don't worry about me. I'm on a great meds combo and hardly ever think about suicide any more...and even when I do, I have no intention to act on it because I know it would hurt the people who love me too much. I've had a partner for the past 6 years who has helped me through all my trials and says I'm easier to get along with than all of his previous relationships. We totally respect each other. If I ever get super down again, I know to go to the hospital because I have too much to live for.

I really feel great on my current meds and don't forsee a future plunge into depression. Not having a gun just makes me feel extra safe. That and always being around my guy. He's the best. Sorry if my post sounded scary, it wasn't meant to be.

Cool and praise the Lord! I am married for almost 11 years now and my wife has been my everything,most women would have left by now. Thank God for her and my meds.

[youngm357]

I have reluctantly sold most of my guns and today parted with my dear friend my gun safe. It was sort of tough. I am BP 1 and just can't take the chance anymore that I have access to firearms; both my safety and others. I just can't say with a 100% confidence that I would not use them improperly. Too much stuff in the news about BP's who have snapped. The only gun I am keeping is a pistol that we take when we go on longer trail rides; it is just not safe to go out in the forest on horses without one. My wife has the gun hidden and will only bring it out when we go together. I have 3 long guns left that I am the most attached to. What I have been doing is taking the gun related proceeds and buying equipment for my horse. This gives me a tangible 'trade' in my head. Very timely topic. The question should BP's have guns is to me like asking if a recovering alcoholic (me) should keep liquor around the house.

[Grkgjohn]

Lol! I would never give up my guns. I may need to protect my family. Or myself.

You need 45 guns to protect yourself? Can't you only shoot one at a time?

[AliRBailey]

**Possible Trigger**

I have been dx bp for 8 or so years and always take my meds and I own guns. My bp diagnosis came after a suicide attempt (did not involve guns) where I actually died for several minutes. Some might say that owning a gun is foolish for a bp person, but I've always been involved in gun safety classes, we have a target range behind our house and I've always viewed my guns (2 are mine, 2 are my husbands) as awesome weapons that deserve respect. It never enters my mind to use my gun for anything other than personal protection or target shooting. I enjoy them and I'm not giving them up or selling them. Just my opinion...if you've owned them in the past and are stable and on your meds I think they are OK. When a bp person is in a desparate state, anything can be used when you're in a bad way to end it all.

[Wantabenormal]

I have never reached for my gun during a depressive episode. I have 2 family members who did and I have experienced first hand the havoc it causes on everyone else.

I keep a small revolver in the house for protection only. In fact it has only been fired once since I bought it and I wasn't the user. I am a member of the NRA and have taken the concealed weapons class.

I think it actually depends on the person and the severity of their illness.

Just my thoughts.....

[Amazonmom]

I have always been interested in target shooting and the like. When my depression gets so bad that I start planning S****** I have always wanted to use a gun. So no guns for me. No real skin off my nose but I would probably have shooting as a hobby if it wasn't for bipolar.

[jabberjaws]

Well I'm Bipolar1 have been for sometime. I have Gosh 30 guns at least. I have had strange and dangerous thought and have acted out on them. BUT I HAVE RESPECT for my guns saftey I love my hunting and so do my kids. I wouldn't ruin that for them. I will not get rid of them for any reason. And I wouldn't use them to harm myself or naturally anyone else.

[Topher]

I have Bipolar I. I become psychotic when manic - massive meglomania and other delusions such as ideas of reference and ideas of influence. I went without a manic episode for 25 years and began to consider buying a gun for protection. I did not think under lithium that I would ever have another manic episode. Then last year I became very fatigued during one of my parent's bedside vigil. After the funeral I went into a full blown manic episode that required hospitalizatiion. I don't know about suicide, but the thought of me killing some innocent person while psycotic keeps me from having a gun. I was trained by the NRA and hunt with a rifle, but for me, there is no such thing as gun safety when manic.

[Ygrec23]

Florida has got to be one of the easiest states in which to buy a gun, whether at a gun store or at a gun sale. I've been all around them, but never bought. I just don't trust myself when really down. Yes, I have all kinds of family obligations too, but when I'm really down I don't think those would stop me. So, no gun or guns. I'm very impressed by you folks who have guns at the confidence you feel that you wouldn't use them. I know that's the way you feel. I realize you trust yourselves. I couldn't. Take care.

[BlackPup]

Like ygrec, I don't trust myself - I've felt what it's like to lose control (both depression and psychotic mania) and I don't want access to a gun at a time like that. Also I'm from Australia where gun ownership is much lower and more tightly regulated - I probably wouldn't be allowed to own a gun...

[bridgie]

Imo I don't think its an issue of bp people owning guns. Just in general some people shouldn't own guns. There will always be people who can and some who cannot have them around safely. Mental illness or not.

[Gus1234U]

i would Thank Brigie's post, but that button seems to be missing, anyway, i agree , people are people Not diagnoses.~

[owllover99]

I've been gone and now I'm back. I am a 57 year old old hippie who doesn't believe in guns for anyone. I am now also a Christian who doesn't believe in guns for anyone. I have always hated guns. This may upset some people. Sorry for that. I just can't help myself or change my mind on that one.

[bridgie]

My family has always used guns for hunting. Food and all. That's always been a big use for guns. They do also protect from dangers. Dangers do exist we may say there are other ways to handle things but we need to be realistic and understand that guns are around to stay. So let's use them responsibly.