I would never have even thought to write this article, perhaps because I give people too much credit for their intelligence and also maybe because I think such information would be common knowledge not requiring that much intelligence. I see many articles on Gather, much like magazine articles, written by medical professionals that are somewhat disappointing to me since the content doesn't serve to further edify me. I used to think that the comments I saw on these articles praising the information were just polite and courteous responses. Now I know that most of such comments were probably sincere acknowlegements of gratitude for enlightenment on issues that I would have thought to be of general knowledge.
Now I find myself writing the same type of article because just as I have assumed too much as stated above, so too, I have now seen proof that others assume too much as well, even when a life may be at risk. Such information is obviously not general knowledge and is necessary to communicate.
If you know of a person who has made statements that threaten his or her life or the life of someone else it is imperative that you get that person professional help ASAP. In this particular article I am going to focus on the threatening of one's own life. I can only hope that the many news stories about people who have threatened the lives of others where nothing was done and tragedies that may have otherwise been thwarted became headline news will suffice for motivation.
As much as you can and should give a person who has threatened his own life compassion, encouragement, warning, wise suggestions, and even love, this is not enough. You can offer prayer on their behalf and good thoughts and positive affirmations, but this is also not enough. A person who has suggested taking his own life is, in the first place, not in the frame of mind to be able to process such thoughts and take remedial action from any advice. Lifting up prayers for the individual will be helpful and may expedite the process through which someone can get the proper care they need, but they must be followed up by seeking out guidance from medical professionals whom God has entrusted with the knowledge and ability to handle such problems.
It is also not your call to decide if someone who has threatened his own life by his words or actions will actually follow through. Some people do and some people do not, but it is not for you to judge whether you think they will or will not. Don't assume that they will not follow through just because they are giving you a warning. It is your moral responsibility and, depending on the circumstances, may even be your legal responsibility to get professional help for the individual before any serious or even half-hearted attempt is made to harm themselves.
Suicide is a major cause of death in the US and it is also a preventable cause of death. This is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Don't hesitate to use it if there is a need. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 36
I commend people who express love, care, compassion, but if someone decides to commit suicide it is that persons choice without being treated like a side show. Who are we to force someone to live who has no desire to live?
There are better answers for most people, I agree, but freedom is more important then forced life.
Actually, I think if someone is really serious about suicide they just do it.
I tend to agree with you. Although I know my colleagues here will disagree.
People force others to live in some cases, prevent suicide, yet some of these people are willing to have an abortion? Personal choice to remove another life is okay, yet not okay if the person wants suicide. American society...hmmm
I don't personally care whether you want to be the next Kevorkian. The fact is that you can't even judge whether a person who attempts suicide really wants to die in the first place. They may just not be able to cope with the situation in which they find themselves and with the proper help, may some day, very ironically, save the life of someone you care about. So before you go off on freedoms, make sure the person that you THINK wants such freedom really does.
I have a meeting this afternoon, so don't think I'm not responding. I'm just not here right now.
Honestly, what are you gong to charge a dead person with who commits suicide? 3 years in prison? Death? No, Suicide is legal, no crime, the crime is if you fail.... Religon however, some believe its a moral sin to commit suicide and thus your afterlife, soul might be punished. Far as the American Laws, suicide is legal.
I provided the 1 rating because I believe its no ones business if someone wants to end their own life. Disagree with them, but not going to force someone to live against their own will...Personal Freedom for me to live is as strong as it is for someone else choosing not to live.
Suicide, when a police offer commits suicide to save another human is a hero, yet someone who has mental issues and wishes to die, because they fear they might kill someone else, is just "nuts"?
Some people who threaten suicide are attention getters. Lets face it doesnt take much to commit suicide and if anyone honestly wants to die its simple enough.
I would not try to take someone out of it. I would provide alternatives, yes, but final choice would not be mine it would be the individuals. If they asked me to take them for help, sure, like I would for anyone. However, my personal belief is the final choice is no one elses except for the individual involved.
I knew a close friend who I grew up with and went to school with. About age 22 while in college he started to change, his grades went to heck, socialy he changed and he became secluded. He became paranoid. He had mental examinations and always passed without a problem. He commited suicide less then two days after a forced examination. His note said he was in constant pain and heard voices. Later they found a tumor in his brain that most likely was the cause, and it was about the size of an olive.
Sorry, but I allow the individuals to choice their futures.
Just like group assistance on the net for depression, if it doesnt have a moderator who keeps the topics to preventing and battling depression, the support group prevent assistance and rely on other individuals with same mental problems and lacking coping abilities.
Your friend with the tumor is a very good example of a life that may have been totally turned around by a proper diagnosis of the condition. In such pain one might want to die. I only hope the family of this person sued the doctors, and rightfully so in this instance, for a misdiagnosis. When people are admitted for mental disorders and suicide attempts they are also given complete physical examinations to determine if physical problems might be a cause.
Katie made some very good points. Thank you for taking over here. Thanks for your input. Lera, I knew you would consider the morality of this. Thanks, as usual, for your honest opinions.
have you honestly dealt with the intake of people who have mental issues? They do not recieve a complete physical exam, if you happen to have the impression of that you never worked in the field.
I ask you this is it the intent that matters or the outcome? People who choose dangerous professions who place their life on the line, are they rational? I guess if someone chooses suicide, and is an organ donor and the organs are harvested and saves others they did not make a rational choice, yet a police officer who jumps over a hand grenade to save the others and dies is a hero?
I fully support the police and firefighters, the armed services, and also know they all made a choice of entering possible life threating situations. Some made choices knowing it could lead to possible death...yet if the average Joe wants to die...that is immoral?
Sue the doctors? Typical answer... Nothing would have saved his life, the tumor was in a place no operation or drugs could have cured. Fact is he would most likely grow more dangerous.
Personal Freedom of choice unless you disagree?
Sue, I'm glad that we can discuss issues even though occasionally we don't agree. I do always respect the opinions of you and Katie.
I don't know Donald, but I also respect his honesty. As you know, not too many people confess to giving an article a one.
Your thought process leaves a bit to be desired for any hope of rational conclusion so
i'll just leave you with these thoughts to ponder.
Yes, Lera, it's a form of altruism, but your undergraduate liberal arts education sought to imbue your mind with a false synonym that would suffice to coordinate its curriculum of liberal hogwash to your brainwash without further thought and investigation on your part. This is largely the reason that without post graduate experience or any deeper thinking on the subject, the students of this liberal education embrace the teachings of such and live their merry lives thinking that they have the answers to problems that are far more intricate and complicated. Given the time to dissect those cursory answers, the most intellectual liberals reach the truth and come to conclusions of more sophistication. This is what separates liberals from conservatives.
Just in case someone doesnt understand the conversation here, I am a veteran and consider the actions of this Marine nothing more then pure heroism, however, it also was suicide since he knew his actions would result in his death and save his fellow Marines.
Sue, this is not a made up situation, its a factual case of a Marine who did commit suicide however, it was in battle. U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham has my upmost respect for his actions, but reguardless how you explain it, it was a rational choice to die.
Sue, If someone commits suicide and is an organ donor, and the organs end up saving other people, does that make the person irrational? The action taken directly saved other lives...
Sue, I understand your basis of beliefs is most likely based on social norms, or religous norms. Hara-kiri to me an an honorable way to die and maybe genderistic suttee also to me is a choice.
Sue, If an individual felt the desire to kill another person however commits suicide to prevent themselves from killing anyone else but themselves, is that allowable?
Jesus, having the power to prevent death, died on the cross, for others, was also suicide right? Since he made the choice to die when he could have prevented his own death...
I only ask you ponder other view points, not agree with them, but have the comprehension skills to maybe, just maybe, see another side of the various issues mentioned.
I wasn't labeling anyone according to this issue or opinion at all. Lera's recall of her sociology class did provide a good example of what liberal education is all about in this country. My comment was a complete digression. I've been in contact with Lera on Gather for quite awhile. It was more a message with private undertones to Lera than addressing this particular issue.
The issues that I did address to you you completely ignored. I love seeing two sides to an issue but what I do see here is that you did not debate the statements that I had put forth and you erased the quotes that you previously made that I had debated. I like things to make sense. If you erase what you originally stated the thread becomes incomprehensible. This is just plain nonsense and I won't give credence to it by addressing you again.
Sue, I think your problem is the debate went beyond the realm you felt comfortable with. That is fine. Maybe another topic we can joust on.
Sue, maybe if I make 'threats" of suicide you would then thrust your unwanted opinions on me, forcing your presumed religous morals, social norms on me, or was the action based on more selfish motives as to gain admiration from others for your claimed assistance and care.....
Sue, I suggest you open your eyes and look beyond the mirror and maybe see someone beside yourself.
Read what I actually said one more time, Donald, because what you quoted is not what I said. You are missing a very important three letter word. this is absolutely the last thing I wish to ever communicate to you.
Sue B. Whirring somewhere above your head B., Sep 19, 2007, 11:30am EDT
not sure which 3 letter word I missed...LOL
I guess you are above my head looking down that long nose to us folks down on the the lower moral level compared to you. Smile, because you have shown your true colors.