[cr33pyguy]

So, what opinions do you have on suicide?

From what I've seen, most people find it to be a crime, that is and should be despised.

Then there are those who would allow assisted suicide for the terminally ill, and such individuals.

Personally, I believe it should be within the power of the individual to decide how / when (and maybe where) he wants to die. The reason I left where out is because that would include "irresponsible suicides" where you practically make an other person kill you (like jumping in front of a train, etc.) However, another "requirement" should be some consideration period - you have to state that's what you want, and wait three or more months before actually being allowed to commit suicide, to avoid any unfortunate... accidents.

Also, here is an interesting documentary about assisted suicide (Terry Pratchett - Choosing to die)

And another one, that I'm currently watching, not sure of how good it is.

[lux]

Anyone who is in a suicidal mental state is not going to fill out a firm. They're going to step out into the road or throw them under the nearest train.

I agree with assisted suicide for the terminally ill, and for those in pain. But people who can no longer mentally cope with their lives and have attempted suicide need to have more easily accessible option open to them.

Parents, partners and even children need to be educated on what depression is, and what suicidal thoughts are. People need to talk to someone endearing to them. Because will see no benefit of calling a suicide hotline when there's a nice 40 foot cliff a 5 minute walk down my road.

There are two types of suicide, both very different.

Another point; "irresponsible suicide" is a little bit of a harsh term. Some mentally ill people can't even hold a conversation, let alone be 'responsible'.

[cr33pyguy]

Anyone who is in a suicidal mental state is not going to fill out a firm. They're going to step out into the road or throw them under the nearest train.

True. Though there are those who take months or even years considering, planning, or just thinking about it, before actually taking action.

I agree with assisted suicide for the terminally ill, and for those in pain. But people who can no longer mentally cope with their lives and have attempted suicide need to have more easily accessible option open to them.

There are a lot of people who attempt suicide, and fail, so what you're saying is that you would like to have an assisted or at least secure option available to those, so that they don't fail another time? Because this is what I support.

Parents, partners and even children need to be educated on what depression is, and what suicidal thoughts are. People need to talk to someone endearing to them. Because will see no benefit of calling a suicide hotline when there's a nice 40 foot cliff a 5 minute walk down my road.

Talking to a random person won't help - you need to talk to someone close to you, but those are the people that are the hardest to talk to about these kinds of topics.

Another point; "irresponsible suicide" is a little bit of a harsh term. Some mentally ill people can't even hold a conversation, let alone be 'responsible'.

Yes, it is a harsh term. However, do most suicidal people fall into the category of so severely mentally ill?

[Oni]

It's your life. If you want to throw it away, then that should be up to you. Suicide should be frowned upon but not illegal.

[MiS]

It's your life. If you want to throw it away, then that should be up to you. Suicide should be frowned upon but not illegal.

How about the people around you that it would affect if it you did it? Psychological scarring for your family and friends, mental trauma for people who found/saw you (assuming you did it in a public place), public "clean-up" from authorities, and so on.

If it were to be legalized, which I'm not saying I would support, I think there should be protocols and procedures you'd have to go through before doing so, such as notifying your family in advance (if they manage to convince you not to go through with it, all the more reason you shouldn't even have considered it in the first place), a full psychological review that you will follow through with it (because many people who have lived through an attempted suicide have reported that they had complete regrets afterwards), and a facility where it would be done quick, efficient and hopefully painless. But again, I would most likely never support it being legalized, no matter the methods.


On a somewhat related note, the Golden Gate Bridge near my city is currently undergoing a proposal to place a net to catch, and hopefully deter, jumpers from using it as a place of suicide. Source.

[Oni]

How about the people around you that it would affect if it you did it? Psychological scarring for your family and friends, mental trauma for people who found/saw you (assuming you did it in a public place), public "clean-up" from authorities, and so on.

If it were to be legalized, which I'm not saying I would support, I think there should be protocols and procedures you'd have to go through before doing so, such as notifying your family in advance (if they manage to convince you not to go through with it, all the more reason you shouldn't even have considered it in the first place), a full psychological review that you will follow through with it (because many people who have lived through an attempted suicide have reported that once they started, they had complete regrets that they did it), and a facility where it would be done quick, efficient and hopefully painless. But again, I would most likely never support it being legalized, no matter the methods.


On a somewhat related note, the Golden Gate Bridge near my city is currently undergoing a proposal to place a net to catch, and hopefully deter, jumpers from using it as a place of suicide. Source.

I understand it'd be disappointing for a family to find that their son committed suicide. But, it's their son's life, not theirs. As for cleanup, well... that really doesn't cost that much. I'd imagine it would cost more to give that person some form of rehabilitation.

[cr33pyguy]

How about the people around you that it would affect if it you did it? Psychological scarring for your family and friends, mental trauma for people who found/saw you (assuming you did it in a public place), public "clean-up" from authorities, and so on.

Which is exactly what an official suicide program would prevent, you'd have information of the would/will be victims plans, and everyone would be on the same page.

I think there should be protocols and procedures you'd have to go through before doing so, such as notifying your family in advance (if they manage to convince you not to go through with it, all the more reason you shouldn't even have considered it in the first place), a full psychological review that you will follow through with it (because many people who have lived through an attempted suicide have reported that they had complete regrets afterwards), and a facility where it would be done quick, efficient and hopefully painless. But again, I would most likely never support it being legalized, no matter the methods.

Yes, that's why there should be a waiting time, after which you'd be asked whether you still want to go through with it.
Plus having it done in professional hands would definitely be better than trying to kill yourself by shooting yourself in the head and waking up in a hospital, crippled and very much alive.

[Oni]

Which is exactly what an official suicide program would prevent, you'd have information of the would/will be victims plans, and everyone would be on the same page.


Yes, that's why there should be a waiting time, after which you'd be asked whether you still want to go through with it.
Plus having it done in professional hands would definitely be better than trying to kill yourself by shooting yourself in the head and waking up in a hospital, crippled and very much alive.

I'd rather not have the government pay for people to off themselves.

[cr33pyguy]

I'd rather not have the government pay for people to off themselves.

True.
At the very least there should be more education about this to people, that would advice them to talk about it.

Psychological scarring for your family and friends

The problem about the families being hurt by it raises when the victim doesn't see his parents as trustworthy enough, or is too afraid of their reaction to discuss the topic with them (which could prevent the suicide itself or at least make the pain smaller for the relatives, since it wouldn't be a surprise, and they would (to a degree) understand the victim.

[Smile Cow]

Touchy subject, I guess that's sort of a theme on here though . Anyways I don't think suicide is ever a good thing. I was hospitalized once because my mother thought I was suicidal (which I don't think is true..) but meeting all those other kids really changed my perspective on the whole thing. Especially at an age like mine (17) things will always get better and for all we know, this could be all we get. I agree 100% that it is definitely not fair for family, friends, and those who love you.