It definitely makes sense to evaluate your options. I've been on this forum for 6 years and it hasn't changed much in terms of my suicidality. But I think suicide should be a last resort option, personally, as in, try out things that could improve your situation. You only die once and there is no coming back so exhausting possibilities makes sense to me. But then again, I didn't exhaust all options, because I know I don't respond well to a lot of the treatment so yeah... it's a personal decision in the end, like you and only you decide when it's enough. Nobody else can make that decision and that's why it's our philosophy in this forum.
Absolutely. It's an incredibly personal thing that demands a lot of respect; from both the people considering it, and people who are potentially trying to support people considering it
It's unrealistic to expect people to have the "perfect" conditions or trusted people in their lives for death. Ideally your description is what hospice is supposed to be or look like, and that's certainly imperfect.
I suspect others feel the same way as me: I'm suicidal partially because I have no one I trust or love in my life, and no one who trusts or loves me. How am I supposed to find someone to support me in death? How am I supposed to build such a relationship out of nothing?
Many of us have lost everyone and everything. Where are these social and emotional resources supposed to come from if we have no family nor friends nor romantic partners?
This is why I vouch for expanded access to MAID and more person-centered communication for caregivers who are working with suicidal people.
Validating the desire and possible option of dying is a necessary precursor to building trust, accurately empathizing, and even considering potential options for living. Both choices must be respected equally and the current prohibition model just doesn't work; leading to alienation, ostracization and underground communities that fulfill that role but with higher risk (groupthink, cynicism, etc.)
I don't agree because I shouldn't have to prove to anybody that my issues are significant enough to warrant death. Also, the concept of recovery and treatment doesn't work for me because my issues are with life itself and how suffering is inherent with life and with how I am not meant to be a human. Though, with that said, I do think that at least having a system where we have to wait 6 months for euthanasia is better than the current system where euthanasia is a crime so I'll take your system over the current system. Ideally though, I believe that euthanasia should be immediately available to anybody who requests it unless if the individual themselves asks for a waiting period to be offered euthanasia
It's more a personal principle that I recommend, but it's not intended to be dogmatic nor prescriptive. Personal agency/choice is retained and I highly respect it nonetheless, despite the principle
I wouldn't expect anyone to have to prove anything as a bottom line. Only to consider if the principle would be personally beneficial or not them.
I suspect the majority of people here have had ideation for a while... I made this poll a while back:
Just curious really. Is this a recent development for you, or something longer term? I know this has been discussed before but maybe not in poll form? I find poll's pretty interesting. I suppose I also wonder how this affects how we experience our thoughts. I get the impression some people feel...
sanctioned-suicide.net
In terms of assisted suicide- I definitely think there should be a waiting period of 6 months. Just for it to be sustainable even- so it isn't blamed for killing people acting on impulse.
It's difficult to say on a personal level though. Surely, it's not just about the amount of time someone has been thinking about suicide for. Isn't it also about what they are or aren't doing to solve their problems? I guess that's what you're saying though- it's a thought process. Why do I feel like this? Can I change my situation so I don't feel like this? Do I want to put in all that effort? I suspect most people have asked themselves those questions. They're kind of basic.
As for finding someone to go through it with you, that's a big ask I think. I doubt many people have the willingess or strength for it. It's so risky too- revealing to people how we truly feel. It's a very real possibility it will make them feel frightened, unable to help and panic them into calling the authorities on us! Plus, many will want to try and push recovery on us I imagine- rather than accept our decision. Depends on who you have around you I suppose.
I wonder if any of us can truly prepare spiritually or mentally. We have no idea what comes next beyond personal beliefs. It probably depends on how strong your personal beliefs are. I truly don't know what to think so, I'm not sure I'll realistically ever be ready for death- any kind of death. I have a feeling it's just something I'm going to have to initiate and then, just try and go with the flow as best I can.
That's a very insightful poll (I love honest data on the topic. It's so important to fight against censorship!)
It's interesting that the majority of people have been suicidal for 5-30 years. Still, the 10% of people who have been for a year or less are significant too.
I woould argue that the poll is biased since it reflects a convenience sample of people who have not followed through, and also who attend this site more regularly or comment more. The most obvious bias is that people who commit suicide very rapidly after ideation develops are impossible to represent, so conservatively, I'd guess there's another 10 or more % who would have fit within the year or less category. Exact numbers are speculator, though.
Absolutely, it is too risky for the majority of people to have a companion let alone disclose in some circumstances (according to a previous poll I did, about 1/3 have not disclosed to anyone, not even a friend or someone in the distant past). I'd be curious who has disclosed to friends vs family vs medical professionals vs. others as well.
I think this data all makes a strong case for expanded access to MAID and more person-centered/validating services for suicidal people. Currently the medical community draws a fine line between suicide and euthanasia, but I think it's a bit of a moot point. A massive proportion of suicidal people would benefit from MAID and another massive proportion would benefit from life-giving treatments that are only possible if people are given the option to consider MAID as a choice, as a prerequisite to disclosure.
We need to abandon the prohibition model, medically, culturally, and interpersonally. The Frontline enforcers of stigma and loneliness of suicide are not just doctors but landlords, family members, community members, and other regular people.
I rest my case lol
