Posted by Fi on April 11, 2002, at 16:37:53
In reply to Suicide and support, posted by Phil on April 11, 2002, at 7:19:38
I've done some careful thinking about this. This is my 6th revision...
I agree with the idea of offering support via the Board (and any other ways that people set up), but dont think these particular suggestions for accountability are exactly ways to go.
I would very much hope that people do post when they are feeling really bad- the problem is that they may chose not to, which I respect. And also lots of people may feel suicidal at times, but mostly they dont act on it. The ones who do act on it dont necessarily plan to in advance, if its an implusive thing. So there isnt a definite identifiable 'presuicide' phase.
I would also hope that people call a crisis hotline if they are seriously considering self harm- as dr bob says, 'talk to a real person'. This also has the advantage of an immediate response- I would hate for someone desperate to post to the Board and not get a reply for hours.Contact details for hotlines around the world are listed at http://www.befrienders.org/bidir/centre.html
The sponsor thing would have to mean that the chosen sponsor was OK about being in this extremely stressful position, and available 24 hours a day. I would be scared of being chosen, to be honest. I worry enough about people who post to the Board in general!
I agree that its not easy to defend people around someone lobbying them to continue living, if this is suggested only to avoid distress for the survivors.
However, I think its valid to point out to the suicidal person what the consequences of their action will be. One which is understandably at the forefront of your mind when feeling terrible is that the pain will end. The flaw with this argument for me is that I wouldnt be there to experience the relief of pain having ended, if you see what I mean. When you're dead, you're dead, not feeling relieved.
I also remind myself that my depression (as with most people) will end eventually, and also that it distorts my thinking, so I cant trust my hopelessness to be accurate.And knowing that your death will cause enormous distress to others may be an important consideration for the desperate person.
But whether to continue living remains a personal decision. I would just hope that anyone facing this decision gets as much support as possible.
Fi
poster:Fi
thread:21882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020411/msgs/21901.html