Debate time? The right to assisted suicde

I have had friends here commit suicide though not for medical reasons. One of them I would've known for 13 years had he been alive today.

I think that the option of suicide whether due to physical, mental or situational stress or unhappiness should be available to all. A quick read of the quote below will enlighten you as to how my country's government treats suicide.

Recently one of my friends was in hospital for a suicide attempt of overdosing and the doctor instructed her to tell the police she had take the wrong amount of the wrong medication as she couldn't see the pills in the dark. She told me that despite being in a state of delirium following the overdose and having had her stomach pumped and whatnot - she was interviewed by police officers at 5AM.

Aloha !

I'm honestly not trying to pick on you, but who are you to decide what's a good reason for someone else?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

I had a tough time choosing the wording for that. I meant that I'm strongly against suicide of people who are just sad, or even depressed. There IS a better way out. But to me, a "good" reason would be a terminal illness.

If you don't mind me asking - what is the better way out?

Help from loved ones/professionals.

If it was that simple then suicide wouldn't even be an issue.

You ever heard the old cliche': He seemed fine, no one could have guessed what was going on in his head... It's said for a reason. Of the few people I know who have committed suicide, none of them seemed like they needed any help or assistance.

Add to the fact that depression is such a misunderstood condition that I'd imagine most people are unwilling to "out" themselves as much of the time it would get the wrong reaction.

Aloha !

Oh, I know what you mean. But still, who are you to decide whether it's a good thing? I know people who have been under heavy medication and therapy and yet the only thing that has done this for them is make them numb to pretty much everything, which really isn't a nice way to live. So why say no when someone's physical health is perfect but mental health just can't be fixed?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

How about someone deciding to stop a treatment that keeps them alive? My Mom died last Friday after refusing kidney dialysis anymore. Is that suicide or is that a sensible choice when there is no hope for a recovery?

Also, if someone wants to end their life for whatever reason, surely there should be a controlled environment in which they can do it?

So many suicides have knock on psychological effects for those people who witness them and if someone is intent on choosing death over life, they're likely going to find a way to do it anyway. Why should innocent bystanders be caught up in the trauma?

So sorry to hear that Kathleen, must be the hardest thing ever. I know it will happen to my parents but I just cannot imagine life without them.
As for her choice I would think it is the right one however painful it is for you.

I do believe it is a person's right to choose when they go, it is their life after all?
Not all drugs do that to you Seb, there is citalopram. It allows you to carry on with life without thinking about suicide all the time.
Thing is getting people to go to the doctors to talk about it plus getting a doctor that understands.