Public survey in to licencing

[Geezer]

Muskett makes some very good points.

There must be a real danger that linking MH to certificate revocation would lead to people not getting help early on, with worse outcomes.

Most GPs are unable to make more than basic determinations of MH issues, before referring them on to specialists. But even specialists would be highly reluctant, except in the case of diagnosed violent psychopaths, to make any determination of risk to the public from most conditions. Indeed, someone who suffers bouts of anxiety which prevent them leaving the house or even getting out of bed is clearly very unlikely to pose a threat to the general public.

There is some US research that suggests that gun possession correlates with a higher risk of successful suicide attempts, which gets reported as “having a gun increases your risk of suicide”. When you dig into it, it’s much less clear-cut. Do Americans more prone to violence, including self-harm, have a greater likelihood of owning weapons in the first place, given their ready availability? Are there cultural factors around choice of method?

Finally, although some people do just “snap”, the vast majority of those who pose a serious threat to others have prior patterns of violent or other aberrant behaviour.

[wobbly bob]

One always feels one is being steered by tick box surveys, but I have ticked the boxes, and thanks for the heads up

[stagmanv835]

Thanks for bringing this up

All done

[angrybear]

Perfectly "sane" people can "turn" on the oddest and most random of reasons. Youth suicide shows that there is only so much that can be done, and eventually it comes down to the individual. For that individual to recognise they need help and then go and look for it. Many failures are after help was sort but not found. Licensing isn't much help, just a use of resources that could often be better spent where it really matters. It has very limited use.
I don't think being grassed up by their GP, and possibly losing their sport, is very inducive for people to be open about how happy and relaxed they are, or admit how much stress they are under. Most people have a chapter in their lives that isn't easy, but they don't all go silly.
Again, it all comes down to personal responsibility: to yourself and to society. I find shooting shorts are excellent in instilling that necessary self discipline and awareness. Most shooting sports are very sociable and very responsible. Air gun shooting an excellent stress reliever being a lot of fun. More people should be encouraged to take it up; and not more barriers put in their way.

That's pretty much exactly the sort of argument it would have been good to add to the survey reply.

[SuffolkRifle]

Trouble is that a 'tick-box' survey is so easily 'recorded', just stick a template over the top and you've got the number, on a computer, just total up the 'yes' ticks, no need to think.