I don't appreciate people talking about killing themselves all the time.  If youre really having a problem with life and a certain situation, sure lets talk it through and help get things sorted out and put in their places.  But just saying that you want to end it all and not elaborating isn't going to help.  Suicide is the worst answer to someones problems.  I truly think that it is selfish and I am not religious, but I do think that it is a sin.  Everyone has value and no matter how hard it is to see it in yourself, you do.

Don't get me wrong, life sucks sometimes and it can be hard, but the "easy way out" is not worth it.  And its not like I haven't thought about it either, everyone does at one time or another.  But seriously contemplating my own demise, I haven't done. 

All I am trying to say is that if your having a problem there is plenty of people, on this forum, and in real life, that can help.  Just flat saying "I'm going to kill myself" doesn't really lend itself well to getting things figured out.  Its too easy to get caught up in the thought of suicide as an answer instead of trying to deal with what is making you feel that way.  Lets discuss solutions to problems, and not that solution.  I have lost one too many people in my life to suicide and the aftermath is devastating.

Audrey

P.S. this post isn't directed at anyone in particular.

I must say that its never been an option I've considered.  Once or twice I've had to be held back from homicide, but do myself in, never been there.  I say that by way of being honest that I have no idea what would drive people to that point.  Be that as it may....

I can think of few solutions to that problem then tossing it out in a random fashion into cyberspace hoping - against all hope - that some thing of a good nature might come back from that.  I'm amazed, given the context, that more negative stuff does not happen, more negative replies are not heard.  Its not unknown in the rather cold nature of the modern world, where people on ledges have had chants of "Jump" rise from the gathered crowd, that given a chance to hate, many take it.

This is the worst place for such things.  Almost like taking your broken car to a toaster repair shop.  Such things are very serious, very deadly, and require professional assistance (which is at other sites, or a phone call away) not the advice of random, untrained, people.

I'm appalled by your judgement of people that are suicidal as sinners.  People that make serious attempts on there own lives suffer from psychiatric disorders.  Major depression is the most common cause suicide ideation and actual attempts.  It's characterised by chemical imbalances of neural transmitters in the brain.  It's a biological disease that people have no more control over than a case of pneumonia.  Because of the stigma attached to mental illness many people don't seek treatment.  Some of them recover without intervention.  Others spiral down the abyss falling deeper and deeper.

Depression is not due to character flaws anymore than the flu is.   

Suicide is something that has been on my mind most of my life. I decided to do it last quarter, and if it weren't for my girlfriend at the time pulling me into her car.. I would not be typing this. I am feeling much better now that I've figured out that I am not worthless and don't have to hide who I am. So much so that suicide, for the first time, isn't on my list of things to do.

That said, I'm glad that you folks have never considered this. But to those who have been beaten down their entire lives, it's a very palatable option. Personally, I still think it's a valid option for some people in certain situations.

For those who just seek attention.. that's a bit annoying.

In SF certain success is just a bus ride away.  So people tend to take it very real, and do not consider it easy, or a character flaw.  I've had it happen to people I've known well.  It leaves a heavy burden on those that remain. 

Still it needs real help, not random advice.

Quote from: tekla on January 29, 2008, 01:27:51 AM
In SF certain success is just a bus ride away.  So people tend to take it very real, and do not consider it easy, or a character flaw.  I've had it happen to people I've known well.  It leaves a heavy burden on those that remain. 

Still it needs real help, not random advice.

Catch a ride on the 28 line....   

I think people that talk about suicide should be taken seriously.  That's just my opinion.

This is a support site though.  Somtimes people dont got anybody to talk to & they come here looking for support.  one of the things Jesus said "throw the first stone if you are without sin. Do not judge for you will be judged"

Quote from: Claire de Lune on January 29, 2008, 01:21:04 AM
I'm appalled by your judgement of people that are suicidal as sinners.  People that make serious attempts on there own lives suffer from psychiatric disorders.  Major depression is the most common cause suicide ideation and actual attempts.  It's characterised by chemical imbalances of neural transmitters in the brain.  It's a biological disease that people have no more control over than a case of pneumonia.  Because of the stigma attached to mental illness many people don't seek treatment.  Some of them recover without intervention.  Others spiral down the abyss falling deeper and deeper.

Depression is not due to character flaws anymore than the flu is.   

True true. If we're comparing bad ideas while depressed due to a chem. imbalance, consider it puking with the flu. You can't really avoid it unless you hold it in, but then it tends to come back twice as bad without proper care. Either that, or you don't even contemplate suicide, but have the constant fear of being sucked out of your persona and reality into a black hole. That... Is... The ...WORST feeling EVER. The only reason why I don't bother with suicide is because I'm not that much of a risktaker, and I'd like to cover my mortal grounds before the metaphysics, or at the same time. Why risk it? I mean, fun might happen one day, and I'm patient, kinda. I also totally understand people who do it though, even if it turns out to be a regrettable mistake, and something selfish to anyone connected to you.

But seriously. Its chemical. Its a constant nagging feeling and thought process which gives you poor perception of time, and fun or being "connected". So, think twice before you judge. There have also been other cultures where suicide was considered an honorable route. I believe seppoku was one such belief. Ours is merely a culture as well, subject to changes/destruction. It all depends. But all in all, the modern suicide is caused as an end result of a depressed mind.

We get hit pretty hard sometimes.
It can realy take the wind out of you.
I got hit like that the other day.
It's not easy no matter who you are to take a blow like that, and it certainly isn't easy for someone who is having trouble standing as it is.
I think it's important to listen for when people need help.
We all need help sometimes, and sometimes we just know that we are in over our head and that we won't be able to do it on our own.
We need help. And all we can do is open our arms and be at the mercy of the world.
Things usually work out, but it is darkest most just before dawn.
That's never easy. That dark can last a while, and what we are left with is a time that realy tests us and can be very, very scary for most of us.
Even those who are used to doing it and know that it comes out alright in the end have it rough.
When you are up against it, you are up against it. And lets face it; that's never easy.
People need help. We all need help at one time or another, sometimes more than normal for a while. Even a long while.
I don't judge people who are in pain, we all get pain.
So I try to help if I can. I can never return the kindness I have recieved from so many.
I can only be willing to constantly pay it back and do good merit and works.
and even then it is never paid back completely.
True love is Infinite.
We can never compare to that.
I am sorry for your loss's Audrey
My love is with you and everyone here.
Even when I can be a prick sometimes
I still love and I still care.
Sara

Hi
I worked as a social worker for twenty years and the last 7 years was with mental health consumers. I quite came upon the link for this board quite by accident, or was it by accident? when I was cleaning out my email the link for this board popped up out of nowhere. It was a Godsend to tell the truth. Being retired sucks big time, When the other boards had kind of went comatose, well I was lonely, so I certainly didn't hesitate or waste anytime signing back into this board.

Anyway that is what I do, I work with people that are in need of support, any time any place. If I were to stop caring and trying to help others or at least just share some wisdom and some of life's problems and pitfalls and of course mustn't forget a little humor tossed in here and there for good measure.  Really, if I was to sit around doing nothing I think I would shrivel up and die. I wouldn't need to think about committing suicide. Loneliness is quite capable of killing a person quite efficiently by itself as well.

I am not here to talk about what kind of pills or gun you are going to use for killing yourself , but I am here to lend an ear if you wish to share what the reason is for you to desire to do yourself in. My only motive or desire is to shine what light I can for those who need it. After all we are girls are we not? Well I am quite aware that there are a few gentlemen on this board as well whom are quite capable of shining their light as well. I am only speaking in generalities in this post. Thank you for lending me your ear.

Cindy

Cindy

Stuff SF... it can be achived anywhere... but the problem is most do it for attention... to get people to talk to them or dig themout of thier problems... BELIVE ME, i feel for people who suffer so much, i myself HAVE attempted suicide more than once, and its a dark dark place to be. I certianly think 90% of those posts have no grounding whatsoever.... and no place here, where sensative people can be greatly upset by attentionwhoreing....
Tbh, it is a sin according to most religions, and i feel very bad that i was taken there... wrong? yeah, there is always another option, understandable? totally...
i now readily admit how weak i was back then. and how stupid a person to resort to such things....

tough subject to broach, cudos to Audrey for having the ovaries to do it....
R >

Hi Rachael
Yep, so did I, I was trying to do it the slow way, by way of drowning myself in alcohol. I really did, I tried to pickle myself to death but I only got very ill. But getting awfully Ill is what saved my life. Well I could have offed myself just by antagonising my abusive ex, thought of that to, but the thought of being beat to death was to brutal a way to leave this planet.

Cindy

the closed i came was going unconsious from a medication overdose... as it all went fuzzy, ive never hated myself quite as much in my entire life...
R

Quote from: Audrey on January 29, 2008, 12:31:06 AM
I don't appreciate people talking about killing themselves all the time....

I agree with those who criticize this post, especially agreeing with Claire deLune's response. Someone talking about their severe depression and thoughts of suicide is the best medicine, and often it's not about who's standing nearby but that the person is talking and someone may be listening and help. The worst case scenarios is when they don't talk and no one knows until they were successful. It's a loss all the way around, the person and those they left behind.

The nice thing about a forum like this is that you can chose which posts you want to read, and if you don't like one after reading it, you can simply click away. You don't have to open a can of words for or against anything you don't like simply because it's here. We all have topics and subjects we don't like, most of which isn't life-threatening. Suicide is and shouldn't be treated with criticism that you dislike the post(s).

I'm sorry you felt the need to express the criticism. And while I agree anyone contemplating suicide needs to talk to an experienced counselor or therapist. There are hotlines and Websites for this, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored here. They should be heard and advised to seek help and offer where help can be found.

And the best on-line place I know is Wing of Madness - check the forum, but there are others, such as, NSSP and SPRC.

How hard is that for a friend?

--Susan--

the word: "suicide" has become so over-rated. where i live damn near everyone wants to top themselves or so they say, so you don't really know who means it and who doesn't. thus i've become frustrated about the whole thing because i wanna help, but i don't know who to help!

most probably i misunderstood the point of the thread yet again. meh.
i think it takes a very brave person to commit suicide, since as noone knows for certain what follows after death. i don't think they're cowards though for choosing an easier way out.

i'm saying "they" because i've never been suicidal. sure, i've self-harmed, but that wasn't intended to kill me. and sure, i've had thoughts: what would it be like if i was dead/ wasn't here- but doesn't everyone. it's part of life.

i agree with those who said it's an illness and the person can't help it.

feelings yes... getting help to stop them... yes.

'im going to kill myself now, bye!' <-- drama llama isnt pleased that his job has been outsourced...
R >

I do call the police on people I feel are serious. So it's not a game to be played, as you might find the boys and girls in blue knocking on your door. Yes Virginia (Santa clause reference), I can trace internet addresses. Generally the people in question are not happy about it at the time but  they generally come to understand it was in their best interest later on...

I don't think that its wrong for anyone to vent about anything here if they have no one to talk to, no matter what the subject may be. For someone to label them as a "drama queen" or an "attention seeker" is pretty damn cold and insensitive in my opinion. Some people make the case that "so what? its just the internet? it does not matter", well, thats just a hypocritical cop out.

Yes to that Susan.  We do usually get mad at first, then are happy you did it.

Thank you.

Sarah L.