Dr. Paul Nestadt, a psychiatrist and medical director at the Johns Hopkins Center for Suicide Prevention, highlights the difficulty in predicting who will die by suicide. Research suggests that current methods for identifying individuals at risk are only marginally better than random chance. Instead of focusing solely on prediction, Nestadt supports strategies that reduce access to lethal means, such as firearms. In the U.S., over 28,000 people died by gun suicide last year, making firearms the leading method of suicide. Although overall suicide rates have decreased, gun-related suicides have reached record highs for five years in a row, with notable increases among women and some Black and Latino men. Studies show that limiting access to lethal means is one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide. This can include measures like barriers on bridges, restrictions on purchasing large quantities of pills, and ensuring firearms are securely stored. However, these strategies often face political and legal challenges, especially in the U.S., where discussions around gun control are highly polarized. Policies such as background checks and red flag laws, which allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others, are frequently debated. Red flag laws have been enacted in 22 states and the District of Columbia, but they rely on identifying individuals at risk, a process that is often difficult. Many people who die by suicide do not seek mental health care or reveal their intentions. Dr. Nestadt suggests that suicide prevention should be approached like road safety, using policies such as permit-to-purchase laws, background checks, and waiting periods. Research shows that these laws can reduce gun suicide rates, while their removal can lead to increases. Laws requiring safe storage of firearms in homes with children have also been effective in reducing youth suicides. Gun owners and industry representatives often oppose broad regulations, preferring educational efforts that emphasize personal responsibility. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a group representing the firearms industry, has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to provide educational materials in gun shops. The National Rifle Association (NRA) argues that policies focused on guns overlook deeper issues like mental health and instead calls for solutions that address the root causes of suicide. Despite these differing viewpoints, some collaborative efforts have emerged, such as initiatives that provide free locks for firearms and temporary storage options during crises. These programs aim to reduce access to guns and promote mental health awareness, though they are not seen as a complete solution. Advocates like Paugh, who lost a parent and a child to suicide, stress the importance of these policies in saving lives.