Alright, didn't want to hog up this thread, but all this talk of suicide being undignified is annoying me. Seems like most of the chat here is about ethical reasoning, God's thoughts on the matter, and symptoms of sorts. Seeing as that is all expected from such a forum, I must add in my $.02 merely because I've spent too much time on suicide discussions elsewhere.
Below is a paste, of an essay analyzation which can be picked apart however you wish.
It's late at night and I've written a small essay evaluation, so I'll post it below. Also, I've realized I have severe depression
and am looking into it here through an inquiry. Doesn't seem to concern me as of yet, but I'd suggest reading that post if possible as well, for more perspective. (Note: I've found through that forum that I probably do have it, but it's still of no concern)
Suicide, an essay.
The ways of life can be difficult sometimes, and really, all I can say is: You can end it whenever you want.
Truthfully, I find no problem with any persons committing suicide at any point in their lives. I only ask that they be allowed to be informed of all of which they're supposedly "missing out on". Ironically, I also would like to have the person realize, that when they die there will be no "missing" at all nor will there be any consequence. As an atheist, of course this is just reality, though my point of view on the matter of suicide is in no way a representation of what all atheists' think. Most live their lives for a goal, a person, a thing. Even if you're just along to see where it goes. Sometimes, as life presents challenges, they become apparently impossible. Although during the earlier stages of life, suicide isn't much of an option, use where appropriate.
Youth Suicide
Reasons: Killing one's self while you're young is not exactly a bright thing to do. I've set myself down to go through with it a few times, but always made sure to not go through with anything (lucky for me, i'm indecisive). When you're young, if you have a good parental home or at least relatives that might take you in for a better home, life will never be "horrible" to live. If people around you do something, there's always an opportunity to basically "run away". As well as financial issues and most law-related problems will be of no concern to anyone young. Many times, after bad grades, huge assignments, things of supposed great importance in school have made me so scared of failure, I felt death was an option. Of course, I've always looked upon school as something of great need and use, seeing as it's been my primary goal of completing since I first realized what schools do. Killing yourself over school grades, is silly, although I can honestly say "If I was ever held back, I would've killed myself." Still one year left, so lets hope I pass (hehe).
Point: I see no reason any youth should reasonably kill themselves but if they wish to do so, of course, I support it. All I can attempt to point out is that always, there is a possibility of a better future. One has not lives 1/4 of your life yet, there's quite a bit of potential for change. If you see nothing good to come of the future, then go right ahead and end it, but most people in life, no matter how stupid, poor, rich, or smart ever seem to hit bottom all the time.
Adult Suicide
Taking one's life into adulthood can be quite the thing to do. For one, you're usually jailed for failed attempts at suicide. Two, most people end up having many emotional attachments. I've always heard from people the main reason they live is for other people. This is more of a parasite behavior, leeching the life of another so that you may live. Gaining joy from the fact that you're willing to remain alive for this person. I suppose it's a good enough reason, but really, the loss of your life only results in the pain of the person whom you're attached to. They might get over it, but if you're married, or something of the sort, there's a good chance they will not, and you'll have ruined a life. Luckily, you're dead and have no ability to really know this. Or at least, once you realize it, you'll have already died and can't change it. At this age, I'd say 21-55; you can make good enough decisions in your life. The choice of suicide is really all I can figure of a couple things:
Money: (lack of it, danger of death from not enough) Solution: One can stay in homes of relatives, government shelters, churches or community centers. There are ways to move your wealth back to just being "poor as ****" rather than "looking for food". Or just kill yourself and hope the government finds your corpse for a free burial.
Breaking the law: (also possible bail money, perhaps death row, prison (raping, not cool), and maybe even shame) Solution: In this case, as I only have one real opinion on the matter, being biased and all: Suicide. Of course. To avoid going to prison, which is a place no one wishes to be, death will solve your future problems. Or, as I've always figured, be sure to appear as insane as possible, so you'll get either a one-room cell or an insane asylum. Tip: If you're breaking the law, only do it so bad that they have to lock you away from other people.
Loss: (death of anyone or anything, loss of property) Solution: Remembrance works. It may hurt a lot, but at least you can remember them for what they did and who they were. In the case of lost loved ones, suicide is a supposed "easy way out" but really, with nothing else to lose; it's also a smart idea. Really, all I know to do in these type situations, if they involve property is to realize it's just property, you can replace it and if you can't "Who cares? It's just a bunch of junk." I don't care if it's a golden bedspread, you don't need it anymore and you won't be getting it back. All one can do is get over it.
Can't really think up too many other reasons any adult would want to kill them self, but that's probably because I'm not an adult. By the way, loss of job that creates lack of money can result in breaking the law, which in most cases, suicide will definitely be a good choice. Unless you care to "re-evaluate" your life and try again in another 8-10 years. Your choice, I'm just one passing on words of pseudo-wisdom.
Elderly Suicide
I support an older person's right to death no matter what. All the above reasons apply, but considering one's late age in life, death will come soon enough. You can take your own life whenever you want. Just hopefully you're capable. If not, convince your possible kids into letting your skydive alone as a hobby. Just a thought.
Euthanasia
I figure by now, you can see all the above comments are stated by and about euthanasia, just not in its usual "sickness " related forms. Assisted suicides should be allowed. If in comatose state, one should have exhausted either a.) Money options (i.e. no longer able to pay or just can't afford to keep paying) or b.) I don't know really, but perhaps relatives consent would work as some states have legalized this process, I'm sure there's a better way. If the person is conscious, allow them a mental examination, don't consider "stress" as something to be attributed, as their death will solve their stress problems. They should be allowed to have themselves killed if they see fit. Obtain a written copy of their choice to kill themselves as well as video and possibly even audio. All the legalities involved.
Perhaps you've wondered why I broke it down in age groups and such, and I'll try to explain it.
Quoted from here.
"If you believe that you have a psychological imbalance that is causing your suicidal ideations, then I recommend that you seek medical help for this imbalance rather than merely reacting to it by taking an action you may regret. Certainly, before the age of 23 it is often quite difficult to obtain a coherent perspective on the world from which to make the important decision to end one's life. "
Some people have a reason to kill themselves at any age. I'm just saying, as the website suggests, that one has not really seen all of life before a certain age. When one commits suicide before 20 or so, they are usually just doing it because of depression, there are few other reasons besides emotional trauma from some incident that occurs. To be depressed before the age of 20 about life, it does seem like the way out of it is to die; so many take it. Although, one has not really gotten out into the world enough to realize there may be something to live for out there, since they're still young.
I really can't say what "hope" one would have to live for afterwards, though I suppose one could feel as if better things awaited them after a move, run away, end of relationship; various reasons I'd imagine. I really have found my purpose in life myself, and am waiting till after college (when I have a chance to do something with my life) before I consider suicide as an option. Once the possible -good- I want is achieved through knowledge/education/job (money) then I'll figure out if or how I want to continue living.
At the moment, it works for me, and really it has worked for a while. My only advice is, learn to overanalyze a situation. You'll grasp the consequences and the reasons for every action before you take it. It might drive you into a depressing spiral of hell but more than likely you'll have analyzed it so well that you'll spot a way out, or at least figure there is one.
-Jacob A.S.
This was about 3 pages on Word, tried colors to not allow it to become too dull. Questions? Comments? Random explitives? Calling a doctor? Praying for some sort of thingie? Heh.. thanks for reading though, sorry to "hijack" as it were. Would've started a new thread, but seemed to similar to this one to go making a whole other thread for it.
