Suicide


Webster's College Dictionary defines suicidal as:
"1. pertaining to, involving, or suggesting suicide.  2. tending or leading to suicide.  3. foolishly or rashly dangerous."


    It never ceases to amaze me that people think suicidal tendencies always signify serious problems.  From my knowledge on life, even the most "well adjusted" (I use quotations around this word because it is a societal term, not my own) child thinks of suicide from time to time.  The classic movie "It's a Wonderful Life" centers on that very topic, in a roundabout way.  Then why is suicide and suicidal thoughts not a normal part of life?  Why does the mention of taking one's own life often make people feel as though they should send those with suicidal thoughts to a therapist?

    On a side note, my thoughts on therapy:  I think everyone should see a therapist.  Regularly.  I am not receiving any compensation from the medical field for this statement, nor is this due to a belief in the divinity of psychotherapy.  It is due to the belief that people tend to bottle themselves up, or express their feelings in ways that are not particularly helpful.
    For instance, if Suzy tells a joke that Jimmy finds offensive, in many cases, Jimmy will not say anything, and perhaps even politely laugh at the joke.  He will not confront her about her remark.  Later, he may or may not tell someone else about Suzy's joke.  Either way, he will continue to harbor a resentment for Suzy because of her offensive joke.  Chances are, Suzy does not know that what she said was offensive.  She will not understand why Jimmy resents her.  Had Jimmy confronted her attitude immediately, in a respectful and tactful way, chances are that fewer feelings would have been hurt.
    My experience with psychotherapy has led me to believe that by honestly exploring one's own actions and thoughts with a professional, one can begin to alter one's persona until an improvement in interaction has been made.  Eventually, one should be able to do this without the aid of a psychotherapist, through mediation/prayer and critical self-evaluation.
    I also believe that the concept of seeing a therapist for mental and/or emotional health needs to be de-stigmatized.  I see no problem in asking for help with my mind.  Just as I would ask a physical trainer or coach for help physically, I should be able to ask for mental or emotional help without the social stigma that it currently carries in American culture (then again, there are lots of things that are stigmatized in American culture that I don't think should be).  Call me an idealist, if you will.  You wouldn't be the only one.

    Now then, I'm not promoting the idea of ignoring suicidal thoughts or such thoughts as expressed by others.  Most definitely, these thoughts should be addressed.  However, the social stigma attached to suicidal thoughts is unreasonable and unnecessary.  It is the reason why people don't tell anyone that they're thinking about it... which leads to further problems.  If suicidal thoughts weren't so highly stigmatized, I think that people would be willing to admit that they have had these thoughts, thus achieving a more open and honest state of affairs.

    Most people who are suicidal don't actually want to die.  My experience has been such, as well.  Despite years of thoughts and several attempts on my own life, I never followed through.  I never wanted to die, I just didn't want to live as I was anymore.  But slowly, over time, that changed.  And now, I bear my scars with pride.  I am a survivor.

    If suicide wasn't such a highly stigmatized and hushed ordeal, then those that would benefit from therapy, although it is also highly stigmatized, could do so with less problem.  Parents could realize that suicidal thoughts are normal, and that it isn't a result of poor parenting.  Rather, the contemplation of one's own mortality is a natural part of the life cycle.

    All of that said, has anyone wondered why suicide is illegal?  It's impossible to convict the deceased.  Attempted suicide is also illegal... and what idiot would prosecute someone who attempted to take their own life?

    In the words of Kahlil Gibran, "Perhaps a man can commit suicide in self-defense."

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