I agree that it's good to thoroughly assess your own situation. Sometimes it's easy to get so bogged down by everything that, it's hard to see the wood for the trees. Obviously, things like depression can skew our perspective too. So, I can see the sense in trying to treat possible mental distortions to see if that changes our perspective. What if that doesn't work though?
Suicide is obviously never the only choice left. If we are still here- we're still choosing to live- however we're managing to do that. I'd also argue that it's a frightening and risky enough prospect to make a lot of people think long and hard about it. I'd question whether all that many people on here especially are being flippant about it. I'd agree that some are romantacising it though certainly. Me included to be honest!
I suppose I'd like to question really- do you think the people you are refering to are so drawn to suicide because they haven't even considered their other options? Or, do you think they have considered them but rejected them for whatever reason? In which case- is that not permissable?
Should everyone try every possible thing before they quit? But, surely, you yourself haven't tried every possible thing? Why not? Probably because you're exhausted from trying maybe? Because past attempts to turn things around haven't worked? Because you no longer see life as being able to give you enough of a reward for trying that hard? Because you simply don't think you can possibly succeed with what you have? Because certain things perhaps terrify you and you aren't willing to put yourself through them? Why do you imagine other people haven't gone through the same thought processes? Aren't those thought processes/choices valid? Can they be valid for you but, not someone else?
Also- do any of us have the right to look at someone else's life or situation and say- 'You should be content with that. I would be. In fact- given what you do have, you ought to be trying harder to make things work.' To some extent, I think this is what this post is putting across. Is it?
Perhaps we do all think that sometimes. We may well read a tiny paragraph about a miniscule fraction of a strangers life and feel like they're giving up too easily or- they do still have genuine prospects and possibilities left to them.
I suspect this is particularly the case with younger members. To an extent, I suppose I do share this perspective. I think there are more opportunities open to us when we are young. More help perhaps. More vested interest at least. Plus, we possibly have less experience of life at that stage to know that we're going to hate so much about it! That said, I get a sense that a lot of our younger members simply don't want to participate in society or life. What do you do when they see nothing to even hope for?!! What is it you're asking them to aim at? I'd argue- that's a major problem.
I think it's so much easier to feel optimistic for other people though. It's probably a good thing too. I'm not in favour of promortalism. I think- if there is any hope and possibility left for a person to succeed in life, they deserve encouragement and support. Others believing they can make it and suggesting how is going to be more positive definitely.
But, I'd argue- the choice needs to come from them. If they insist they've had enough and tried enough, I don't personally think it is up to us to berate them that they haven't. Not saying that you would do this op but, I suppose the desire to is there maybe? Plus, honestly it's unrealistic to say- 'it's ok for everyone else but, not for me.' We simply don't know that. You may well have it worse than a lot of people- and I'm sorry for that. You probably don't have it worse than every single person on this planet though and- some of those people will defy all odds and recover. Does that undermine your situation? Does that mean you should be trying harder? Does it give you the motivation to try harder? Or, does it piss you off that you are being expected to live up to someone else's standards? Sorry- I didn't intend this to have a personal go at you. I expect the intentions of the post are good. ie. consider all your options carefully. And I agree with that. It's just how we go about it I suppose. I think suggesting life alternatives is fine but- not if the op objects. And certainly not in an authorative- 'you're not trying hard enough' way. That could probably said to any of us. Would you welcome it?
