(09-25-2015, 09:53 AM)Vyce Wrote:(09-25-2015, 01:25 AM)Faye Wrote: That's sad to hear. Thank you for posting this. This is really important. I don't want to nitpick something with such good intentions, but I'd really advise against calling it selfish, however.
Except that it is selfish.
People don't commit suicide because they want to die, they do it because they can't find a reason not to. They have reached a point internally where not friends, family, mentors, peers, dreams, nor the fear of death seems worth continuing to exist. It is an unfortunate instance of supreme human weakness.
I'm not debating the word "selfish" to imply that suicide is a good idea, nor to romanticize or glorify it. I'm also not saying depression doesn't irreparably hurt everyone around you. However, depression and other mental illnesses alter your mental state, your outlook on life, and your view of yourself. I can tell you from firsthand experience that those who are suicidal often feel like a burden or nuisance to those around them. They feel like living is selfish and while, sure, everyone will be sad that they've died, they'll get over it and feel happier in the end.
The point is that those who are suicidal already feel selfish and horrible about themselves. For most people who are suicidal, there are multiple attempts done, and they spend a long amount of time contemplating it. There's no way of telling who here on these forums has attempted suicide, or thought about it, or will think about it. Putting them on blast for being "selfish" is not a good way to encourage them to seek help. At that point they need love and support, not criticism and insults. Depression is a battle you fight every day of your your life. That's an act of bravery, not weakness. You don't call someone "selfish" when they die of cancer, and depression is every bit as real a disease.
That's all I'll say on this matter, because I really don't want to derail from this thread and take away from its meaningful purpose. Please just rethink your words and your views.