Way out…

WARNING  – Possible trigger subject. 

Delicate subject but as we are just out of Mental Health Awareness Week and I have first hand experience I thought we might chat about suicide. Why? Well, many of you will never have had a chance to speak to someone who has tried it out. I do hope so. Perhaps you have views or wanted to ask questions.  Let’s sort some of the “accepted wisdom” out.

The most selfish thing you can do. Maybe. Given that anyone who wants to kill themself is not in a good mental state, it is unfair to judge them by “normal” standards. Running away and abandoning one’s family in times of trouble most certainly IS.

Depending on the circumstances, most suicides are not trying to get away from their family and friends – they are desperately trying to get away from their major problem, themselves. Given their state of mind, it is hardly surprising that the person has become totally self-absorbed. Consideration for others, even the person finding their body, doesn’t cross their mind. If the person is suffering from a mental health condition like severe clinical depression, bipolar etc, it is like harbouring a possessive demon. It really does take over one’s life.

It’s a cry for help.  Yes, very often. It’s the most efficient way of saying “I’ve had enough and I can’ take any more”. It depends though whether it was a “real” attempt or a “safe option” where they know someone will find them before death.

They must be mad. That’s not a word that psychiatrists approve of but, in the general run of thing, yes. What we, on the outside, can’t judge is what has put them in that state. Is it an illness? Is their home life so vile that really they would be “better off dead”. Are they hooked on something that is destroying them anyway?

Do you regret it? Yes, of course I do. I put my family and friends through some awful times and now I’m better I can look back and regret. That, however, is a very negative reaction. Better to look back and learn. Value my life as it is and thank every deity and star in the sky that I didn’t succeed. I got turned back at the gate.

So – if anyone reading this ever wanted to ask questions on the subject – go ahead, I’m happy to answer.

Don’t shoot me, I’m fine now!