Inspired by Lesta http://www.foxestalk.co.uk/forums/topic/101070-would-you-ever-contemplate-suicide/ It actually led to a good thread. If so, what is your tipping point?
As my life is now not a chance, however I have to say that sometimes you lot make me feel suicidal Seriously though, I do believe in Euthanasia, but only when there is a written & legally documented living will. In other words euthanasia has been requested by a person in writing in front of witnesses and legally documented by a solicitor, and only if the said person is of sound mind at the time of making the said will. The document would state that the said person wished to have their life ended by a medically humane method, but only in the specific circumstances written in the will. Finally, there should also be a proviso that the will can be revoked at any time, but only by the person in question and not by any other person.
Important topic, and it's nice to know that communities of football fans can talk about this sensitive stuff. So good on the Leicester forum. I've only ever really considered suicide as a theoretical question. The overriding conclusion is always that it's a rather selfish thing to do (in most cases). I heard a good quote about (depression-based) suicide that it is like "taking your pain, multiplying it by ten, and giving it to the people who love you". But like A LOT of people, I've suffered with anxiety and various degrees of depression my whole life. But just like wallowing in self-pity, suicide is not the answer. I think everyone in the 1st world has some measure of mental illness - it's just symptomatic of the society we live in.
If we started measuring the strengths of economies in HDI rather than GDP the world would be a far better place. Won't see it in my lifetime for sure.
Wasn't there a thread on this while ago where someone (maybe Cude?) discussed suicide and depression, I may be wrong though.
This is what Bentham suggested in his theories of utilitarianism. Actions and national wealth should only be measured by the amount, quality and how widespread the happiness is that the action causes. The problem is of course how do you measure this happiness? In respect to suicide I dont think its fair to call it a selfish act. Yes it causes pain to the loved ones but its utlimately ones own life to be lived for oneself. You cant live a life of pain and torment just to prevent your loved ones having to grieve you death. However if you are a parent of children ( who havent yet grown up) then you do have a responsibilty to stay alive for their upbringing.
The question asked is much too black and white. It's assuming that suicidal people do such in a sound mindset, when usually that's not the case. From my experiences, and from speaking to people who are suicidal they don't actually want to die 90% of the time. It has been described to me as being blinkered or 'in the zone' where you see you have no other option, it's the only 'logical' way to escape. However, the rest of the time they hate that they attempt to/consider ending their life. The support available isn't good enough. There are organisations which can be very helpful and understanding, usually volunteers or the ASTI team, however they have extremely limited resources and struggle with the demand. Police Officers and Paramedics are often very helpful and sympathetic, however staff at A&E are very hit and miss when it comes to mental illness and occupational health nurses are horrendous. I guess some of them see self-inflicted injuries as wasting their time when there are others they could be attending to. That said, I do understand the angle that suicide is selfish. Due to my reasons above I wouldn't label it as that, however it does certainly multiply and spread the pain amongst the people closest to the victim. One depressed person can quickly escalate into a depressed family. I say all this at a time when I am supporting my suicidal mum. Part of her depression stems from my Auntie's suicide 14 years ago, which sent a wave of depression through my family. Personally I have never seriously considered it and in a sound mind completely rule it out no matter what happens, as I have seen first hand the effect it has on those around you.
Totally agree with the argument that suicide is selfish in the effects it has on the people around the suicidee (is that even a word?) , some people argue it's cowardly, I've never believed it's a cowardly act, it must take a fair bit of courage to do it, even if I wanted to I can't imagine I'd ever have the courage to do it, I suppose if you were at that level you wouldn't be thinking straight about it anyway, interesting psychology though
I wouldn't disagree with that, but we should also consider that some people with suicidal tendencies totally believe everyone would be better off without them. So they have a good (if misguided) motive and they would think they are the opposite of selfish.
That's very true, in which case they would perceive it as an entirely selfless act, god, it certainly makes you see the tragedy in suicide.
Of course I'd contemplate suicide ... so long as it's not mine that is. Nothing is more precious than life so if it's not to relieve constant pain then why should anyone? If you aren't inspired by material things then you will rarely suffer depression ... they're the figment of the advertising world and not your well being. Don't let the b@stards grind you down. simple but true.
It is a complete Catch 22 - In most cases, a suicidal individual is not of the right frame of mind to be deciding what is right/wrong for him/her. But then most people who need help are unable to convey it to others for reasons which are related to the root of the problem (anxiety, social pressure etc.). Psychedelics have repeatedly been shown to help cure and treat these illnesses. They need to be decriminalized, it's a travesty that they are classed in the same way as awful destructive drugs like Heroin: [video=youtube;5Qxx7M-YBm0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qxx7M-YBm0[/video]
From personal experience, suicide may be the only option for some, but they could never understand the almighty void that it leaves behind for others that were close to them
Very sorry to hear Halfway. I'm sure they, (and none of us) could ever imagine the true heartbreak that is left behind unless you have experienced such a loss.
Considering the days it would take to clear all the porn from my hard drives first, it's likely I'd have second thoughts at some point and not go through it.
Over the past 12 months I have nearly lost my Dad on two occasions, I've endured three months of being framed by my old boss to try get rid of me so he could save the job of his mate in a restructure, I've come out of a six year relationship, and put a few pounds on (probably due to not having the time to hit the gym due to being around for my parents when dad was really bad). That was before Xmas and happened all at once. I recall heading down to Pompey and sat on the seafront for the entire duration of the night. It was my lowest ever moment. If I was going to end it, that was it. Since then, I've found a new job and progressed with it, having won a battle out of court resulting in a nice pay out. My Dad got worse but he's recovering well, and hopefully he'll be back at the footy by Xmas. I'm on good terms with my ex and I've lost 10 pounds since the season ended. It's amazing how quickly things can change for the better.
Thanks mate. Hope the message got across - things in life get bad, but they can get better. It's only fair to yourself you hang around long enough for the fun stuff too.
Everyone would contemplate suicide under the right circumstances. It's usually brought on by mental illness and none of us are immune to that. I suffered from PTSD and depression for a long time when I was younger and it's just impossible to describe the impact of that on your life and your mindset. You really cannot understand it unless you've been there. You become a different person and everything just looks and feels different. Things that previously seemed abhorrent and unthinkable suddenly don't seem like a bad option. It's very wrong, but at the time it looks and feels very, very right.
