Im of the very unpopular opinion that suicide isnt cowardice. Those who choose to end their lives do so after struggling, clawing, clinging to life for *years* with mental illness. We simply cannot know their struggle. Its utterly brutish to suggest that a person should have just toughened up. When a person is physically ill to the point of no recovery, in certain cases, that person may request- and be granted- the right to end their misery: euthanasia. Someone I once knew ended his life after years of fighting depression and anxiety. Most of his friends clicked their tongues and said, Such a shame. He just wasnt strong enough. Why should the person be shamed?! You literally have NO frame of reference for the specific demons this person dealt with. If you were in his mind, you may have (heroically) ended the struggle *sooner*! What makes us think we could outlast the horrors of someone elses mental disease? Instead of viewing those who have chosen to end their lives with judgement and condescension, how about we revel in the life they led? Cherish all of the good. If the person left a note about their suicide, take it to heart. Make changes for the greater good; not only for yourself and those directly affected, but for everyone. Be more empathetic. Listen more. Give more hugs. Let people know just how important they are to you. These things are the most precious, most healing tools we have to win the fight against any mental illness.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:13:01 +0000
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