Suicide...

[DJQ]

With all the discussions about abortion and capital punishment, thought I'd pose this question...

Is suicide ever OK?

For example; if you knew in advance that you were going to become a quadraplegic, and would have to suffer the indignities that went with it(basically having to be cared for like an infant), and knowing the hardships it would put on those responsible for caring for you, what would be the harm in saving others all the pain and suffering, mentally, physically, and financially?

[kazza1985]

I am unsure on this one. In one respect I think it should be down to the individual if they are suffering and in pain but on the other hand I believe in life after death and wonder about the repurcussions of taking your own life. I believe we are here to learn life lessons and should you take your own life, then it is a waste, because you will only have to learn the same lesson in the next life.... so I stand unsure.

[luvsluvin]

Originally Posted by DJQ

For example; if you knew in advance that you were going to become a quadraplegic, and would have to suffer the indignities that went with it(basically having to be cared for like an infant), and knowing the hardships it would put on those responsible for caring for you, what would be the harm in saving others all the pain and suffering, mentally, physically, and financially?

In that regard I just look at Stephen Hawking for inspiration. Even while facing ALS, he maintains a powerfully positive outlook on life.
He has some great quotes out there... but one of my favorites is: “It matters if you just don't give up”

My sister gave up, so believe me I have first hand knowledge of the pain and suffering it causes for those left behind when someone takes those matters into their own hands.

[kazza1985]

Originally Posted by kazza1985

I am unsure on this one. In one respect I think it should be down to the individual if they are suffering and in pain but on the other hand I believe in life after death and wonder about the repurcussions of taking your own life. I believe we are here to learn life lessons and should you take your own life, then it is a waste, because you will only have to learn the same lesson in the next life.... so I stand unsure.

I should add to this.... my opinion on it being down to the individual is based on if that person is suffering from a terminal illness and is in pain and is dying then it seems more humane to end that suffering.

There is also a saying "that its easier to walk away from a fight than to stay and fight" with regards to suicide when in pain, I feel the opposite to be true. It takes a strong person to want to live and cope with the suffering. I was living with my friend and her mum while she was dying of cancer and despite the pain she suffered, she treasured every day she lived. One time she cried and said to me "I don't want to die.... I want to live and see my grandchildren grow up" and had she the choice she would have done despite the pain. She was more concerned about every one else than herself.

[billynomates]

you suffering is different to your family suffering. My cousins Father-in-law had Alzheimers. He'd lived with them for years but when they went to visit him in the nursing home he didn't recognise them. It broke their hearts, I wouldn't want to put my family through what (through no fault of his own) he put his family through, he had no quality of life and ...neither did they.

[kazza1985]

Originally Posted by billynomates

you suffering is different to your family suffering. My cousins Father-in-law had Alzheimers. He'd lived with them for years but when they went to visit him in the nursing home he didn't recognise them. It broke their hearts, I wouldn't want to put my family through what (through no fault of his own) he put his family through, he had no quality of life and ...neither did they.

We had the same situation with my great nan (mum's nan) although she had dementia.

[billynomates]

To save my family suffering I'd opt for euthenasia ( difference to suicide in my opinion) because you'd be kept alive by 'artificial' means, by humans. I'd ask for all medicines to be stopped, if needs be.

[r8rcrzy]

Having my best friend commit suicide 2 1/2years ago probably skews my view on suicide. I can not say I approve after seeing the aftermath and pain left behind for once again the "survivors" to deal with. I also saw the pain in him. The struggle and depression. The hopelessness. Talking him down twice earlier that week with a gun to his head and the threat of squeezing it off if anyone showed up at his home. Knowing my friend that was a guarantee. All he really wanted was my approval and to not be alone when he left. I didn't oblige him. I tried my heart out to convince him that things would get better. That time would ease some of his pain. That I would be there for him through thick and thin as I had in the past and as he did for me in rough times. That I had his back. Two consecutive nights and a good 4 hours a piece of trying to convince my best friend that things would get better. That he had things to look forward to. That he didn't want to do this to his family. That he didn't understand the destruction he would leave behind. The third night he didn't call. I was upbeat seeing him earlier in the day and thought he was doing better. The next morning I received a voicemail from his wife to call her as soon as i got her message. When I called I was in shock before I even dialed. I could barely breath hoping she would give me news that maybe he had been hospitalized. When she answered the phone it was as if time stood still as she wept telling me that Dan was no longer with us. Later that day I found out he was not alone in that cold garage. He had called a mutual friend who was not aware of his total desperation. Someone who couldn't talk him out of it. Someone who could give him a chuckle and not let him go alone. The mutual friend didn't even know it had happened. He thought he had passed out and we'd see him the next day at work. Dan's pain is gone. He left behind a wife and a 6 year old son. I don't think it was right. But I know his pain outweighed it all. And I finally forgive him.
There's a HUGE difference between suicide and euthanasia. Quality of life and responsibility. He left behind a responsibility as opposed to being a responsibility.



R.I.P my friend

[TheMark]

You leave more then just the world. Family, Friends, and loved one are left behind with the pain, and questions that will haunt them forever. "what could have I done, and how did I miss the signs"

[Niccivan]

This is a really tough question.

I don't think suicide is ever justifiable int he minds of the family that is left behind. Since I have never personally contemplated suicide, I have no idea what must go through people's minds when they finally decide to take thier own life. I think suicide is a double edge sword. Not only has a life ended, but it hurts all those around them who love them, and all for what?

Euthenasia is also a touchy subject. If I had been diagnosed with an illness where it was inevitable that I would end up as a burden to those around me, I honestly don't know what I'd do. I wouldn't want my life to be a burden to anyone. But I don't think I could ever take my own life, or even ask someone else to take it for me. Then again, it's one of those things where you don't really know what you'd do until it happens to you.

Phil, I'm sorry about your friend. That must have been really hard.