Discussion hanging is the ultimate method .

[darknessisfine8]

hanging is ( i guess ) the most popular suicide method through the history .

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s .

and so high in rates . partial is great if done right .

and full suspension is almost garanteed if you have anchor point . good ligature and nobody finds you .


my question is .

why would anyone do other methods when all you really need is rope ??

 

[hell toupee]

I initially was interested in partial as my method, but after reading extensive anecdotal reports on here, I came away feeling like partial requires a lot of variables be just right for it to work. Especially when unconscious involuntary movements start to set in. There is a very high probability that those involuntary movements disrupt the pressure on the carotids and you wake back up.

So after reading a Japanese suicidal manual that was posted here a few months ago, the author comes away with the same conclusion as you do. That full suspension is the way to go. Furthermore, it seems like pressure needs to be applied quickly to properly occlude the carotid arteries, and full suspension gives you that. While I understand the desire to kind of dip your toes in the water and slowly ease in to a partial hanging, it seems that a lot of people are unsuccessful in losing consciousness because of slowly applying pressure.

To answer your question though, I think that more people don't use full suspension because it seems there are a minority of people who use full suspension and don't lose consciousness right away. That means hanging there and choking to death, which doesn't sound fun. It takes a certain amount of courage to kick over the stool so to speak.

But you're right, hanging is simple and very lethal unless you have equipment failure or someone finds you in time.

 

[whybother2002]

This method is very lethal and quick (quick from your perspective
anyway, as you black out within seconds), but if you're found in time
and 'saved' you can end up with serious brain damage and/or be left a
vegetable.

 

[itsgone2]

why would anyone do other methods when all you really need is rope ??

You need a lot more than rope and anchor point. You need the courage to step forward. It may not be as effective but way easier to swallow a bunch of pills.

 

[Ch4in3dcr0w]

As much as i agree that hanging is the most researched method and truly the simplest, people choose their method on what they feel comfortable with.

SN without being found out is nearly 100% lethal where in hanging (partial being the more risky one) there are more factors to consider. Hanging for alot of people seem too "violent" compered to the peaceful look of SN or other methods. Its the same case as in firearm method where its nearly guaranteed to kill you, for most people blowing your head out is too violent.

 

[Terrible_Life]

hanging is ( i guess ) the most popular suicide method through the history .

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s .

and so high in rates . partial is great if done right .

and full suspension is almost garanteed if you have anchor point . good ligature and nobody finds you .


my question is .

why would anyone do other methods when all you really need is rope ??

I think for many the main issues are: finding a strong anchor point and having the possibility to be alone for at least 30 minutes.

You need a lot more than rope and anchor point. You need the courage to step forward. It may not be as effective but way easier to swallow a bunch of pills.

Yes you're right this part is terrifying and difficult. I guess thats the reason why some here on sasu asked if its okay to take benzos or other things to sedate oneself before the hanging.

 

[monkeysee2]

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s

This is debatable.

 

[barelyholdingon]

hanging is ( i guess ) the most popular suicide method through the history .

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s .

and so high in rates . partial is great if done right .

and full suspension is almost garanteed if you have anchor point . good ligature and nobody finds you .


my question is .

why would anyone do other methods when all you really need is rope ??

I think hanging is one of the 'Big 3' of ctb along with firearms and jumping

 

[SilentSadness]

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s .

I don't get it. How can choking to death for 20 seconds have almost no pain? I don't understand how this method would be done in a way that reliably causes no pain. The method is reliable until it's not, in which case you most likely have brain damage and won't be able to attempt again. Plus, most of the time you won't have a rope, and if one has to buy something like that anyway, for me SN would make more sense. Failing with SN is much less likely to cause permanent torture.

 

[ladylazarus4]

You can't know if it's painful until you do it. From what I've heard, it's a mixed bag. But generally, don't expect it to be painless or even simply uncomfortable. I'm going into it (if I ever manage to CTB) with the assumption that it will be painful and terrifying.

Plus, most of the time you won't have a rope, and if one has to buy something like that anyway, for me SN would make more sense. Failing with SN is much less likely to cause permanent torture.

I think a rope would be much easier to buy than SN, right? I mean, you can buy a rope at many stores like Home Depot, tractor supply, etc (in the US, not sure about other countries) and also Amazon. SN is much harder to get, not to mention illegal in some places.

 

[Dark Mood]

I've tried partial twice and stopped the attempt after a short while because of the pain and panic. Maybe I did something wrong, but I never had the feeling I would pass out any time soon. I might give full suspension a chance soon

 

[cait_sith]

It's very hard to step off the stool I have set to manage it

 

[Gustav Hartmann]

I think that more people don't use full suspension because it seems there are a minority of people who use full suspension and don't lose consciousness right away.

As far as I know it only happens if the knot is in front of the neck. One example is the longest duration acrobatic neck hang, it is 1 min 12.29 seconds and was achieved by Rebecca Peache (UK) and Donovan Jones (USA) on the set of CCTV Guinness World Records Special in Beijing, China, on 14 August 2011. But even in most cases when the knot is in front of the neck they pass out within 15 seconds because the presssure that is required to close the carotid arteries is very low.

 

[JesiBel]

I don't get it. How can choking to death for 20 seconds have almost no pain? I don't understand how this method would be done in a way that reliably causes no pain. The method is reliable until it's not, in which case you most likely have brain damage and won't be able to attempt again. Plus, most of the time you won't have a rope, and if one has to buy something like that anyway, for me SN would make more sense. Failing with SN is much less likely to cause permanent torture.

"Choking to death". Please, if this is not your method, just move on.

It's only 15 seconds max (have you watched videos or posted just because you have nothing better to do?) where you'll only feel the pressure of the ligature closing around your neck and compressing the carotid arteries.

When these arteries are blocked, the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain is stopped, and consciousness is lost. After this, you no longer feel anything anymore.

Like any method, you always have to take the necessary precautions to ensure it works properly. Test your anchor point and rope, making sure none of them break and can support your weight. And make sure you're alone and that no one finds you beforehand. Nothing more than that. Just common sense.

You have to place the ligature in its correct position: under the jaw, more or less at the level of the hyoid bone. And the knot of the ligature behind the neck in the center. Recommended knot: Arbor Knot (since it tightens itself under weight). Simple and easy.

There are several places to choose (anchor points), so that's no excuse. If there isn't one at home, you can go to a forest, rent some temporary accommodation or a hotel, an abandoned place... You can buy a hook or a bar and mount it on the wall of your house even.

Getting a rope is the easiest and cheapest thing in the world; you can find one at any hardware store. You don't need to go around looking for clues to acquire one. And no one will investigate you for owning or buying one.

If you choose to die by poisoning, that's your decision. But there's no need to speak ill of a method you're ignorant of or afraid of.

I don't understand the fanaticism of users who choose SN to try to convince others that it is a foolproof method without any hassle or pain.

I don't see people who have chosen the hanging method going to your SN threads to say that our method is better and blah blah.. How annoying.

If you have the balls to commit suicide, 15 SECONDS is nothing. Does your SN give you instant death? Come on.

 

[eternalpace]

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

Not quite, respectfully speaking. It was my method of choice ten years ago... and I'm obviously still here. In a nutshell, I had problems with the typo of rope (even after doing tons of research), problems with positioning it, problems with my body's self-preservation instinct, etc. Hanging is not the glorious walk in the park that some make it out to be.

 

[heydude56]

hanging is ( i guess ) the most popular suicide method through the history .

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s .

and so high in rates . partial is great if done right .

and full suspension is almost garanteed if you have anchor point . good ligature and nobody finds you .


my question is .

why would anyone do other methods when all you really need is rope ??

It's because the act of hanging kind of scares people and I believe just thinking about hanging activates SI for a lot of people. This is why people prefer to ctb by SN or nitrogen

 

[AreWeWinning]

To answer your question though, I think that more people don't use full suspension because it seems there are a minority of people who use full suspension and don't lose consciousness right away. That means hanging there and choking to death, which doesn't sound fun. It takes a certain amount of courage to kick over the stool so to speak.

You forgot to add that these are anecdotal evidence too, just like the reports of partial hanging attempts. Reports of full suspension not working are extremely rare even here, and there is absolutely no proof that they're true or accurately describe what actually happened. I'm not saying it's impossible for FSH to not work, but all the evidence – by which I mean research and actual hanging videos – suggest that it's extremely reliable.

I agree that it takes a lot of courage for someone to kick over their support, but it's not because there's a high risk of the method not working. It's because every method that is highly lethal and known to work takes courage.

 

[SilentSadness]

"Choking to death". Please, if this is not your method, just move on.

It's only 15 seconds max (have you watched videos or posted just because you have nothing better to do?) where you'll only feel the pressure of the ligature closing around your neck and compressing the carotid arteries.

When these arteries are blocked, the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain is stopped, and consciousness is lost. After this, you no longer feel anything anymore.

Like any method, you always have to take the necessary precautions to ensure it works properly. Test your anchor point and rope, making sure none of them break and can support your weight. And make sure you're alone and that no one finds you beforehand. Nothing more than that. Just common sense.

You have to place the ligature in its correct position: under the jaw, more or less at the level of the hyoid bone. And the knot of the ligature behind the neck in the center. Recommended knot: Arbor Knot (since it tightens itself under weight). Simple and easy.

There are several places to choose (anchor points), so that's no excuse. If there isn't one at home, you can go to a forest, rent some temporary accommodation or a hotel, an abandoned place... You can buy a hook or a bar and mount it on the wall of your house even.

Getting a rope is the easiest and cheapest thing in the world; you can find one at any hardware store. You don't need to go around looking for clues to acquire one. And no one will investigate you for owning or buying one.

If you choose to die by poisoning, that's your decision. But there's no need to speak ill of a method you're ignorant of or afraid of.

I don't understand the fanaticism of users who choose SN to try to convince others that it is a foolproof method without any hassle or pain.

I don't see people who have chosen the hanging method going to your SN threads to say that our method is better and blah blah.. How annoying.

If you have the balls to commit suicide, 15 SECONDS is nothing. Does your SN give you instant death? Come on.

I think that this is rude and insensitive when the original poster asked for others' opinion, and you went out of your way to insult me. Added to my ignore list.

 

[hell toupee]

You forgot to add that these are anecdotal evidence too, just like the reports of partial hanging attempts. Reports of full suspension not working are extremely rare even here, and there is absolutely no proof that they're true or accurately describe what actually happened. I'm not saying it's impossible for FSH to not work, but all the evidence – by which I mean research and actual hanging videos – suggest that it's extremely reliable.

I agree that it takes a lot of courage for someone to kick over their support, but it's not because there's a high risk of the method not working. It's because every method that is highly lethal and known to work takes courage.

Agree on all accounts.

For me, what scares me about full suspension is that there does seem to be a minority of people who attempt full suspension and struggle. Not many, but there do seem to be some.

I have some personal experience with this, and while I didn't witness it, I discovered my wife hanging full suspension by an extension cord in our back bedroom. She didn't tie any knots or do any research. She simply wrapped an extension cord around her neck like 5 or 6 times, and then wrapped the other end on an overhead cabinet handle in a figure 8 pattern - like they do at a dock when people are securing a boat.

When I discovered her, she looked completely normal, but what I wanted to say is that there was a lamp on an end table literally an inch or 2 away from her arm. Had she struggled or was panicking from air hunger (being asphyxiated), there's no question in my mind that the lamp would've been knocked over.

And you are correct, the anecdotal reports of people failing full suspension are usually an equipment failure, and if not, it's someone panicking immediately, not giving themselves even a chance to lose consciousness from the occlusion of the carotids. I just read one last night where as soon as the person went full suspension, they panicked and grabbed on to the anchor, lifted themself and was able to get the rope off of their neck.

The Japanese suicide manual agrees with this as well. I remember him writing "for people who want to ctb, they need to burn it in to their brains that full suspension is the easiest and most lethal method they can use - no further research of other methods is even necessary". He then goes on to cite a couple studies where scientists actually hung themselves full suspension to study the effects - they were obviously saved by colleagues but their report was that there was no pain, just blacking out. Same with a couple references he included of people who tried to hang themselves and failed (were saved or equipment failure) and it was the same - no pain, just pressure on the neck and then blacking out almost immediately.

So for me, the courage isn't because I'm not worried that it will work (ie., be lethal) - it's more that it won't work properly and I end up asphyxiating instead of losing consciousness right away. As long as the anchor and knots are secure, I have no qualms about it being lethal or not.

I do agree with you we have to be careful about anecdotes and arriving at bad conclusions. The often touted statistic on here that only X% (single digit, can't remember the exact number) of ODs working is highly misleading. That statistic is factoring in all ODs - ones where people gobble down 100 tylenols or other OTC or non lethal pills, because pills are easy to take and it's often done impulsively. However, if you were to take a lot of methadone, or fentanyl, expecially combined with benzos, I guarantee the rate of success is a lot higher than single digit percentages.

We should also remember that almost all of the anecdotes we read here are of people failing - we have no idea how many lurkers, or people like my wife, who went full suspension and were successful. So everything is going to be skewed here and it's actually kind of disheartening. You start reading about the methods here, and naturally you are going to get anecdotes of people who failed. It's a good thing though, in regards to harm prevention, as worst case scenario is you do something half-assed and end up being worse off than you already are.

From everything I've studied about full suspension, the majority of the time it does seem quick, painless (or very brief pain/pressure in the neck and airway) and guaranteed to be lethal. My overactive brain however, constantly reminds me of "what if you are one of the ones that does not lose consciousness right away and struggles to gulp in air".

I purposely don't watch hanging videos because full suspension is my backup method if my initial method doesn't work. I'm too worried I will see something awful and that would be burned in to my brain. I have seen loads of pictures though, and all of them just looked like my wife, as if they had simply fallen asleep. But I do hear stories, don't know how valid they are, of people with their eyeballs popping out, etc. I suspect this would be from occluding only the jugular veins while the carotids continue to pump blood in to the head.

 

[PotentiallyWasted]

I think that this is rude and insensitive when the original poster asked for others' opinion, and you went out of your way to insult me. Added to my ignore list.

While Jesi might've come off as a bit rude or insensitive, most of the points he makes aren't really wrong.

 

[hell toupee]

As far as I know it only happens if the knot is in front of the neck. One example is the longest duration acrobatic neck hang, it is 1 min 12.29 seconds and was achieved by Rebecca Peache (UK) and Donovan Jones (USA) on the set of CCTV Guinness World Records Special in Beijing, China, on 14 August 2011. But even in most cases when the knot is in front of the neck they pass out within 15 seconds because the presssure that is required to close the carotid arteries is very low.

This is what I've concluded as well. I just made another post in this thread.

The problem is I have a tendency to analyze everything - "paralysis by analysis" they say. And my brain keeps going back to "what if you are one of the ones that doesn't lose consciousness immediately". I'm not even sure if it is possible to hang there for a period of time and NOT have the carotid arteries occluded (assuming the knot placement is correct).

I've never heard of an acrobatic neck hang - that's really interesting! Thanks!

 

[AreWeWinning]

I have some personal experience with this, and while I didn't witness it, I discovered my wife hanging full suspension by an extension cord in our back bedroom. She didn't tie any knots or do any research. She simply wrapped an extension cord around her neck like 5 or 6 times, and then wrapped the other end on an overhead cabinet handle in a figure 8 pattern - like they do at a dock when people are securing a boat.

When I discovered her, she looked completely normal, but what I wanted to say is that there was a lamp on an end table literally an inch or 2 away from her arm. Had she struggled or was panicking from air hunger (being asphyxiated), there's no question in my mind that the lamp would've been knocked over.

Sorry about your wife. :( That's some real experience. By that, I mean I can't imagine the emotional impact that must have head on you.

So for me, the courage isn't because I'm not worried that it will work (ie., be lethal) - it's more that it won't work properly and I end up asphyxiating instead of losing consciousness right away. As long as the anchor and knots are secure, I have no qualms about it being lethal or not.

As for hanging and fears, although I wasn't specific enough, but by "reliable", I meant I have a very high confidence that during full suspension, consciousness is lost within seconds 99% of the time. Whether it's 99.9% or 98.5%, I don't know, but I feel that some people are more paranoid about it than they need to be, and exceptions are more rare than some people assume.

Another note regarding suffocation and suffering during FSH is that even if you're extremely unlucky, and it happens, you'll still die. If I had to choose between a method that's 98-99% effective and there is a miniscule chance of surviving with horrific injuries – for example in the case of jumping – and a method that's close to 100% effective and there is a miniscule chance of suffering a minute or two during the last moments, I would choose the latter any day. When I'm dead, those last moments won't matter anymore. The pain and the fear of it only matters while I'm alive, and it's only there because this is nature's way of preventing me from ending myself.

I do agree with you we have to be careful about anecdotes and arriving at bad conclusions. The often touted statistic on here that only X% (single digit, can't remember the exact number) of ODs working is highly misleading. That statistic is factoring in all ODs - ones where people gobble down 100 tylenols or other OTC or non lethal pills, because pills are easy to take and it's often done impulsively. However, if you were to take a lot of methadone, or fentanyl, expecially combined with benzos, I guarantee the rate of success is a lot higher than single digit percentages.

I agree with what you say. If someone makes a serious, well planned attempt, even overdosing can work. The case fatality rates are low, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work if someone knows what they're doing.

However – and this is important – the same argument can be made for highly lethal methods too. For example, the case fatality rates of hanging, jumping, and firearms are very high, but those rates also include non-serious or poorly planned attempts! If we consider that these methods have a high case fatality rate on average, then the chance of success with a well-planned, serious attempt using one of these methods is even higher. It's extremely high. This doesn't really address the fear of the method not working (whether rational or irrational), just an addition/extension to the argument you're making.

From everything I've studied about full suspension, the majority of the time it does seem quick, painless (or very brief pain/pressure in the neck and airway) and guaranteed to be lethal. My overactive brain however, constantly reminds me of "what if you are one of the ones that does not lose consciousness right away and struggles to gulp in air".

I hear you. I tend to overanalyse things too. For some reason I have very high confidence in hanging though – mainly because I can pass out very reliably and very quickly when I test it, and I'm confident I can prepare a secure, strong setup. There is no perfect method. It's always pros and cons. Simplicity vs. lethality/reliability vs. availability/ease of access vs. our brains, SI, and how we perceive things. What works for some doesn't work for others and vice versa.

 

[orbwithinorb]

As much as i agree that hanging is the most researched method and truly the simplest, people choose their method on what they feel comfortable with.

SN without being found out is nearly 100% lethal where in hanging (partial being the more risky one) there are more factors to consider. Hanging for alot of people seem too "violent" compered to the peaceful look of SN or other methods. Its the same case as in firearm method where its nearly guaranteed to kill you, for most people blowing your head out is too violent.

This. There is no such thing as a "best" method for this exact reason, it's going to depend on what you feel the most comfortable with and what lets you override your SI.

For me, hanging (and gunshot) is too brutal and I simply wouldn't be able to go through with it. Ingesting a drug that then makes me pass out peacefully and I never wake up though? That I would actually be capable of doing.

 

[hell toupee]

Sorry about your wife. :( That's some real experience. By that, I mean I can't imagine the emotional impact that must have head on you.



As for hanging and fears, although I wasn't specific enough, but by "reliable", I meant I have a very high confidence that during full suspension, consciousness is lost within seconds 99% of the time. Whether it's 99.9% or 98.5%, I don't know, but I feel that some people are more paranoid about it than they need to be, and exceptions are more rare than some people assume.

Another note regarding suffocation and suffering during FSH is that even if you're extremely unlucky, and it happens, you'll still die. If I had to choose between a method that's 98-99% effective and there is a miniscule chance of surviving with horrific injuries – for example in the case of jumping – and a method that's close to 100% effective and there is a miniscule chance of suffering a minute or two during the last moments, I would choose the latter any day. When I'm dead, those last moments won't matter anymore. The pain and the fear of it only matters while I'm alive, and it's only there because this is nature's way of preventing me from ending myself.



I agree with what you say. If someone makes a serious, well planned attempt, even overdosing can work. The case fatality rates are low, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work if someone knows what they're doing.

However – and this is important – the same argument can be made for highly lethal methods too. For example, the case fatality rates of hanging, jumping, and firearms are very high, but those rates also include non-serious or poorly planned attempts! If we consider that these methods have a high case fatality rate on average, then the chance of success with a well-planned, serious attempt using one of these methods is even higher. It's extremely high. This doesn't really address the fear of the method not working (whether rational or irrational), just an addition/extension to the argument you're making.



I hear you. I tend to overanalyse things too. For some reason I have very high confidence in hanging though – mainly because I can pass out very reliably and very quickly when I test it, and I'm confident I can prepare a secure, strong setup. There is no perfect method. It's always pros and cons. Simplicity vs. lethality/reliability vs. availability/ease of access vs. our brains, SI, and how we perceive things. What works for some doesn't work for others and vice versa.

All very good points and very well stated.

I certainly realize that I over analyze everything, and for all intents and purposes FSH is quick, mostly painless, and absolutely lethal. If your equipment is secure, you aren't getting out alive.

You also make a really good point about statistics and even highly lethal methods. The fail rates of those, or any method, includes people who did things in a half assed manner. A much more valuable statistic would be the percentage of people who fail, while getting all of the variables correct. Such as FSH or GSW. How many people, who were not discovered in time, and had secure equipment, actually fail at FSH? I would say it's probably less than 1%, if that. Same with using a firearm. A useable statistic would be how many people survive who used an adequate caliber and aimed at the base of the skull failed? I'm assuming, again, the fail rate is probably close to zero.

And you are right, you can pick apart any method, no matter how likely it is to achieve CTB. Nothing is perfect, but you can get pretty damn close if you do the proper research and account for all of the variables.

Partial hanging, to me, is a big waste of time. I understand the attraction it holds, allowing someone to ease in to it and back out if they want, but that's part of the problem. Anecdotally, people who were successful in losing consciousness (or getting close to it) with partial all said that it started to work when they would quickly put all their weight in to it - not do it slowly. I have a theory about this, and think it might be due to the pressure an artery carries. Perhaps it's harder to fully occlude the carotids when you slowly pinch them. Furthermore, partial seems way too easy to disrupt the pressure needed, and people wake back up or stand up.

I'm still sticking by FSH as my backup. Like you said, a lot of times the worst part about trauma is the haunting memory of it.

EDIT: Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words about my wife - I sincerely appreciate it.

 

[hmnow]

hanging is ( i guess ) the most popular suicide method through the history .

its super easy ( compared to other methods )

almost no pain . and you simply feel less than 20s .

and so high in rates . partial is great if done right .

and full suspension is almost garanteed if you have anchor point . good ligature and nobody finds you .


my question is .

why would anyone do other methods when all you really need is rope ??

Definitely hang is my method tho I did explore jumping. I have access to the roof of a 13 story building.

 

[Namelesa Graves]

Some people not be able to access hanging easily. I would of done full suspension now properly if I wasn't so tall and that I am trapped to just my house to do it in. Partial is also really hard with how you can back out of it. I tried partial many times and those times it was painful for me so full suspension would probably be even more painful for me during those few seconds I am conscious tho I personally would deal with it in that case as I can't back out of it when its started and as death would be worth it for me. Just with partial I instinctively quickly back out cus of me being not very tolerant to pain. Some people may be unable to tie knots as well.

 

[PotentiallyWasted]

Another note regarding suffocation and suffering during FSH is that even if you're extremely unlucky, and it happens, you'll still die. If I had to choose between a method that's 98-99% effective and there is a miniscule chance of surviving with horrific injuries – for example in the case of jumping – and a method that's close to 100% effective and there is a miniscule chance of suffering a minute or two during the last moments, I would choose the latter any day. When I'm dead, those last moments won't matter anymore. The pain and the fear of it only matters while I'm alive, and it's only there because this is nature's way of preventing me from ending myself

I love the way you explained it, and I think I feel this way too. Thank you for making me feel that much less scared about FSH

 

[Gustav Hartmann]

This is what I've concluded as well. I just made another post in this thread.

The problem is I have a tendency to analyze everything - "paralysis by analysis" they say. And my brain keeps going back to "what if you are one of the ones that doesn't lose consciousness immediately". I'm not even sure if it is possible to hang there for a period of time and NOT have the carotid arteries occluded (assuming the knot placement is correct).

I've never heard of an acrobatic neck hang - that's really interesting! Thanks!

All methods have a residual risk that they don't work as planned. If the aiming angle is wrong you can blow your face away with a shotgun and survive. You could also survive jumping or train badly injured. The usp of hanging is, that you can test with no risk in advance how fast you personally pass out. This gives me the confidence, that I will pass out quick, that the pain is bearable and I will die for sure.

Sorry about your wife. :( That's some real experience. By that, I mean I can't imagine the emotional impact that must have head on you.



As for hanging and fears, although I wasn't specific enough, but by "reliable", I meant I have a very high confidence that during full suspension, consciousness is lost within seconds 99% of the time. Whether it's 99.9% or 98.5%, I don't know, but I feel that some people are more paranoid about it than they need to be, and exceptions are more rare than some people assume.

Another note regarding suffocation and suffering during FSH is that even if you're extremely unlucky, and it happens, you'll still die. If I had to choose between a method that's 98-99% effective and there is a miniscule chance of surviving with horrific injuries – for example in the case of jumping – and a method that's close to 100% effective and there is a miniscule chance of suffering a minute or two during the last moments, I would choose the latter any day. When I'm dead, those last moments won't matter anymore. The pain and the fear of it only matters while I'm alive, and it's only there because this is nature's way of preventing me from ending myself.



I agree with what you say. If someone makes a serious, well planned attempt, even overdosing can work. The case fatality rates are low, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work if someone knows what they're doing.

However – and this is important – the same argument can be made for highly lethal methods too. For example, the case fatality rates of hanging, jumping, and firearms are very high, but those rates also include non-serious or poorly planned attempts! If we consider that these methods have a high case fatality rate on average, then the chance of success with a well-planned, serious attempt using one of these methods is even higher. It's extremely high. This doesn't really address the fear of the method not working (whether rational or irrational), just an addition/extension to the argument you're making.



I hear you. I tend to overanalyse things too. For some reason I have very high confidence in hanging though – mainly because I can pass out very reliably and very quickly when I test it, and I'm confident I can prepare a secure, strong setup. There is no perfect method. It's always pros and cons. Simplicity vs. lethality/reliability vs. availability/ease of access vs. our brains, SI, and how we perceive things. What works for some doesn't work for others and vice versa.

You are right, an experience that is never rememberd is a little like it has never happend. When we are dead there is most likely nobody and nothing left that could remember or regret anything.

 

[Natbee]

You need a lot more than rope and anchor point. You need the courage to step forward. It may not be as effective but way easier to swallow a bunch of pills.

I lost the courage during a hanging and starting crying and the neighbour cut me down. Need so much strength to do it. That was a while ago and I have not been able to bring myself to try it again

 

[Lycoris]

I don't get it. How can choking to death for 20 seconds have almost no pain? I don't understand how this method would be done in a way that reliably causes no pain. The method is reliable until it's not, in which case you most likely have brain damage and won't be able to attempt again. Plus, most of the time you won't have a rope, and if one has to buy something like that anyway, for me SN would make more sense. Failing with SN is much less likely to cause permanent torture.

This is part of the reason I still havent CTB honestly, I'm terrified of living but I'm equally scared of having my last moments in this stupid life being panicked or full of regret and suffering