Sigh... I think I want to buy a firearm. (updated)

[retrowire]

Original post below this one.

Wow, thank you all for the great advice. I agree that, getting a gun might actually just enable and increase the stress. Plus, you guys calmed me about the fears of the crazies on the right actually doing something.

Big dog might just be the key.

---
But here's the problem. I suffer from bipolar disorder. My wife suffers from borderline personality disorder.

We just moved to a new neighborhood. Stress sets in because of unfamiliarity. We've only met two neighbors so far and they're great! But still, we're in the city now.

Add to this stress the impending stress of our nation becoming as divided as it is. I won't be surprised to expect Trumpers taking up arms in a foolish way. And I fear that if the worst happens and I must barricade our home, we don't want to have only knives and bats.

I guess I'm seeking an opinion. Should we avoid firearms because of our mental issues? Should we let the anxiety subside and rely on other hone security methods?

Thank you for your time.

[20895DEM]

1. Don't buy a gun

Take the money and use it to find a professional to talk to about your concerns. It will help far more than any gun will.

Trumpers are not going to take up arms. They are like their God, just big talkers.

[HAB911]

2. Concur

[metroins]

3. Don't buy a gun

Suicide or domestic violence is a much more real scenario than being attacked.

Unless you live in a bad bad neighborhood, I would not purchase a gun if you have emotional stuff going on.

[Avalux]

5. Let's look at what you can do to alleviate your anxiety.

You can get a big dog. You can also invest is a security system and surveillance cameras for your home. That's what I've done.

Will purchasing a gun ADD to your anxiety? If there's a concern it might not be safe to have one in the house then it's probably not worth it. The gun itself could end up being a major stressor.

Maybe give yourself a little bit of time in the new neighborhood until you've settled in before making a decision. Good luck.

[blm]

6. Let the anxiety subside and rely on other home security methods.

You already had the answer that was right for you.

I have a sister with mental health problems - unlike you her disorders are severe. She can never be allowed near a gun. She would definitely be a danger to others, especially family.

[Marengo]

13. If there isn't a comparison in the severity, why would you mention your sister?

How is it relevant?

[blm]

15. So he knows that the reply comes from a source familiar with the various levels of

mental health concerns.

I encouraged his own voice on this because he had the answer.

Not sure why you would think my reply was anything different than what it is.

[retrowire]

17. yeah i didnt take your advice rudely. nt

[blm]

19. thanks, retro

open heart, here, always

[Marengo]

18. Simply because your reason for including the example of your sister was not clear...

Since, by your own admission, the severity is not comparable.

[MADem]

32. You do realize that diagnosed mental health issues are not static?

They can wax and wane as a consequence of age, hormones, stress, family challenges, etc.

That's how it is "relevant."

Some related reading: http://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar/webcasts/the-progression-of-bipolar-disorder.aspx

[leftofcool]

7. No gun. ADT or other security companies will work just fine.

[beachbumbob]

8. Your mental state and guns don't mix

[meadowlark5]

9. I don't think the Trumplodytes will revolt in numbers that average people need to barricade

themselves in their homes. I'm sure there will be some altright wingnuts that will try to do something but I highly doubt it's in the numbers that Steve Bannon and Alex Jones are salivating for.

I certainly wouldn't purchase a gun because of that fear. In the end, most of the Trumplodytes are all talk but cowards. Most won't risk their hides in a revolt.

[Marengo]

10. As someone who has used a gun in self defense, don't consider it unless you are 100%

Ready and willing to take a fatal shot. Keeping a firearm, learning how to handle it safely and effectively, and knowing the laws concerning its use is a considerably responsibility not to be taken lightly. Chances are, you probably won't need it. Having been rather unlucky in that regard, I choose to include one in the "tool kit" so to speak, but it's a last resort. In my neighborhood, we watch out for each other as much as is possible and that very comforting. I'm not going to comment on your mental state, that's for you and your mental health care provider to determine.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

12. As an avid advocate of the RKBA I suggest you wait

The responsible thing to do, in light of your status and that of your wife, is to check with some healthcare professionals for assessment, evaluation and recommendations regarding bipolar and borderline conditions. I infer from your tone, that the purchase is intended to be for self-defense. This is a major commitment. There are many considerations so don't be impulsive.

If your concern is internal security, you should make a basic safety assessment of your perimeter, property and home structure. Many things can be done to make a break in much more difficult.

If your planning to carry the gun off your property and around town there are several additional things to consider. Most states have training and proficiency requirements to obtain a permit. Also, consider that if you do get a permit and carry, your permit is not good nationwide. Laws vary from state to state and folks have gone to prison for that type of offense.

Let me say that I have doubts that sustained violence is unlikely after the GOP (great orange plague) loses. Hopefully you don't live in trump tower.

Basically, start with your primary care physician or primary mental health professional or principle counselor.

My favorite in the unofficial USMC list of rules for gun fighting #26: "Your number one Option for Personal Security is a lifelong commitment to avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation." {http://www.snipercountry.com/articles/gunfightrules.asp}

[Eleanors38]

25. "...avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation." This is key ^^^.

[-Steph-]

14. I don't think you have anything to worry about in regard to your own physical safety if Trump loses.

There might be a few nuts out there who try to do something foolish, but it's very unlikely that you would personally be a target.

If you're concerned because you're unfamiliar with your new neighborhood/neighbors, then I would suggest investing in a good security system. Ultimately, you'll probably be safer going that route than having a gun in your house.

[Nitram]

20. As a long-time gun owner, I wouldn't recommend buying a gun unless...

...you are willing to put many many hours into training and practice. A gun in inexperienced hands can be a great danger to you and others.

[ileus]

22. I recommend a GSD.

[retrowire]

23. whats a gsd? nt

[Travis_0004]

26. I would assume German Sheppard Dog

[retrowire]

27. ehhh we got cats

And I've loved the German shepherds I've met but I've read plenty about their hunting drive for fast small moving critters.

[Eleanors38]

24. I would counsel against obtaining a firearm at this time...

If you have fears of lethal attack, it is wise to put your finger on that fear and see if it is reasonable. The spittle-flying radio blow of the far right is not much to go on. If there are active home invaders in your area, that is another matter. I won't worry about the political climate turning violent until it comes my way, and it hasn't. My self-defense measures include a revolver at close hand when I am at home. Even then, I don't request a B & E type to fill out a form profiling their politics before they attempt violent entry.

[Warpy]

28. The greatest predictor of being killed by a gun is having one in your home

You're in a lot less danger from your neighbors than you think. I live in an inner city area called The War Zone and have done for 20 years and no one has pulled a gun on me here, unlike the couple of times it happened in "nice" areas. My neighbors just want to get through another day of work so they can feed their kids and I think you'll find your neighbors are exactly the same.

Relax, guns are overrated as home defense, anyway. Get a hatchet, a baseball bat, a big pipe wrench or some other item you can use at close range if some asshole does break in when you're home. A retired Marine DI once advised me that people are just not afraid of getting shot but that everybody is afraid of getting cut. I took that advice to heart and it has served me well.

[mwrguy]

29. Don't stoop to their level

Every gun sold is money in the pocket of the white-wing NRA.

[EX500rider]

30. "Every gun sold is money in the pocket of the white-wing NRA."

How?
I bought my last handgun at a small table from a little vendor at a gunshow, I doubt he forwards any of that to the NRA..

[hack89]

36. That makes absolutely no sense what so ever.

Did you even think for a second before posting that or was it pure reflex?

[Nuclear Unicorn]

33. Find a friend who is a shooting hobbyist.

Make sure they are responsible and safety minded, obviously.

Ask if they can spend the day with you showing the various parts of a pistol and how to use it. Familiarize yourself with those parts so that you can point to them without hesitation. Learn the rules of gun safety, i.e. always assume the weapon is loaded, never point it at anything you aren't prepared to shoot, finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot, etc.

Then go to the range.

Make it a day of relaxation. Divorce your mind from the sense of mystery and danger associated with guns (but always mindful of safety) and focus on the principles of shooting: breath control, steadying yourself, good sight picture, relaxing the body, calming the mind.

It's kind of like golfing, if you think about it.

When you're done, thank your friend for the afternoon and go have a cookout.

Don't buy a gun.

That's how I learned to shoot and because of that I learned to respect guns instead of see them as a thing of killing.

[SOUTHERNYANKEE75]

34. Get your head straight, then get a gun.

I've owned guns my whole life, they're a tool. They should be treated with the up most respect and not available to people with mental issues though IMO.

[tortoise1956]

35. Not the time to buy a gun

If you are only getting a gun because of what MIGHT happen, and you haven't had one in the past, I would counsel against it. Look into other ways to quell your fears first, please. There are non-lethal deterrents, like pepper spray or a Taser. I also agree with getting an unbiased opinion from a mental health professional on other ways to work on these stressors.

If you are dead set on getting a gun, then at least go take a class on firearm safety before you do this. Better yet, go to a shooting range in your area that will rent guns, and spend a little money to shoot one. You may find that you don't like it. Talk to any friends you might have that already own guns, see what they say about it. Be prepared to practice with your firearm if you choose to buy one - otherwise, you're better off having a bat...

Finally, I really think your fears of insurrection are unfounded. I know that the Storm Trumpers can be scary, but I firmly believe that no matter what, most of them are Americans first. They love their country to much to risk tearing it apart. yes, there may be a small minority that would rather see it burn, but they are vastly outnumbered by those who support Trump mainly because they are scared of all the changes that are occurring today. Change is hard to deal with, and Murphy knows our whole lives seem to be in flux sometimes. I predict that after the election, things will settle back to normal - whatever the hell normal is nowadays...

[DashOneBravo]

37. No gun

In addition to the suggestions above I add:

Come up with a self defense plan for you and your wife. Figure out what you are going to do if someone breaks in.

Find a room where you can wait until LEO's show up. Make sure it has the least amount of entry ways and you can secure it.

Keep a phone in there and anything you are going to use for self defense. You guys practice meeting there if you are separated in the house.

There are a bunch of non-leathal options for home defense. Personally I'm not going to kill someone for breaking in my house. Attacking a family member is a different story.