BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 11, 2025 Man visited a shooting range with the intention of taking his own life. In an unguarded moment, when the instructor wasn’t looking, he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. He suffered brain injuries incompatible with life. The doctor who was called could do nothing but declare him dead.
Shooting ranges where people can temporarily rent a gun under the supervision of an instructor occasionally become refuges for those intending suicide. This gives them relatively easy access to a firearm, something that would normally require tests and psychological evaluations.
Regulations regarding public access to shooting ranges vary greatly between countries. While some countries allow even children to shoot under instructor supervision without major restrictions, in others, access to shooting ranges is heavily limited.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.