Suicide: Is it Selfish?

Mental illness continues to be stigmatized and misunderstood. I can certainly understand why people would think suicide is selfish, as it has a huge and devastating impact on loved ones. Suicide is a symptom of severe clinical depression, not just a behavior or choice. Depression and other mental health diagnoses are real diseases, just like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, etc. But, it’s hard for other people to understand what it’s like to have depression if they haven’t experienced it themselves (and you can’t do a lab test to diagnose it).  Depression can have such severe effects on mood that it affects a person’s ability to think about the consequences of suicide because they view suicide as the only escape from their constant misery. It’s so important for these people to seek help, but the depression itself can prevent them from having any hope that things can ever get better. Children who have been traumatized, abused, or neglected are at an increased risk of depression and suicide. Also, veterans are at increased risk of suicide because of the traumatic experiences they are exposed to during wars.

I read an article after Robin William’s death that I found to be a very good read and pertinent to this post:

http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2014/aug/12/robin-williams-suicide-and-depression-are-not-selfish 

The suicide hotline is open 24 hours a day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org