Isn't it crazy that people here are actually real?

[BARIZON]

I know it's a stupid thing to say. But recently a contact i madein the forum showed me some members that actually live near me and had passed away using the methods they learned here. I saw some of their family social media too, it's so crazy. Before I thought of this place and the people here as being so distant and almost unreal. Seeing all these posts and thinking this is actually their final goodbye gives me a strange feeling, not sure if it's good or bad.

I still think of this site as a good thing, i only think they are too tough on not allowing members to try to convince someone saying goodbye from rethinking it, i would believe that at least a small percentage could be saved, who are we to know if their attempt is very well thought out decision or simply a in the moment thing ? That's why society should allow euthanasia, at least people would have access to doctors and safe methods, which would reduce the amount of times people kill themselves on impulse.

Anyway, just hope everybody who can get better find the necessary strength to do so, and those who can't, find a way to CTB which is humane and painless.

 

[dinosavr]

Oh wow it makes a lot of sense. I mean I knew you were real people, of course, but it hits different when I imagine one of my neighbors may be here, or someone I know from work or whatever. Siiiick!

 

[Worndown]

The problems driving people here are everywhere.

 

[davidtorez]

Suffering doesn't discriminate unfortunately

 

[ThisGameIsOverrated]

I still refuse to believe there's any sort of proximity between me and other users here. With that out of the way though this forum has really been humanising for people I've known would be in bad situations but before seeing those types of people talk about it on this forum and explain their experiences it just felt like distant stuff that didn't really happen to people. Like seeing all the people here who have chronic pain was eye opening

 

[thenamingofcats]

We're everywhere. I know of at least 2 members here that are less than 2 hours away from me by car. We could pass each other one day and not even know.

 

[abchia]

this feels unreal to think about. i wonder if anyone i've interacted with in real life uses this site.

for anyone who sees this, would you be afraid of people you know in real life discovering that you're on this site?

 

[Worndown]

That is why we keep a few secrets.

 

[Forever Sleep]

It hits home to me when I see people's photographs. Not here most of the time although some members have used their real profile pictures I believe. But yeah- it's usually anti-suicide campaigns that show a wall of pictures. Some people look so happy too but that's it- you never really know. It makes it all the more real to me to look at them and wonder what they went through to bring them to this point.

It just makes it all the more sad for me. I believe suicide should be a choice for us but it's sad that anyone's life should be that bad/ painful that they made that choice.

With regards to talking people out of it though- especially on goodbye threads, I'm not too sure really. It's true that it's impossible for us to know just how well considered their idea is. I think a lot of people do actually run through a synopsis of why they are at this point though. I mean- maybe- if they sound unsure but I think I would be in a nervous state as it was. The last thing I'd want to do is try and argue my reasoning with someone. But then, I likely wouldn't make a live thread. Partly for that reason. I'd more likely do a scheduled goodbye.

Really though- we know they've been thinking about suicide long enough to research it, find this forum, apply for an account and wait for approval and then been on here for as long as they have.

I do wonder just how many people attempt impulsively. Like- what actually defines an impulsive attempt? I suspect most people have been thinking about it for a long time before they do it. So- do we not make the decision when we are less impulsive? As in- I think it's acceptable to choose suicide and- I think I may do it one day. I think I came to that conclusion when I was 10! I'm 44 now. Not sure it's benefitted me all that much to hang around! Not to say I encourage people to do it when they first think about it but you have to wonder sometimes- what are we hanging on for? How likely will it be that we can/ do turn our lives around?

 

[rozeske]

The anonymity nature of it can at times make it hard to look past the user names to the person they belong to.

Don't hold back to suggest rethinking their plans if it seemed rushed or if it seemed they are seeking help to be saved, it's not against the rules, you can ask, they might refuse as it's their choice but dragging it past that point to where it's just you trying to convince them that their life is worth living, a life you know nothing about may not be perceived well, after all it's a pro-choice forum.