people often describe suicide as "selfish"
am i the only person who thinks it's more selfish to pressure someone who is obviously suffering to live against their will?
idk what is your perspective?
It's a hard topic! I do understand the perspective that it seems cruel to ask someone who is in a state of constant suffering to continue that suffering so that those who know and love them do not suffer.
However I have to admit, I also think it is selfish...perhaps more selfish...to take one's life.
Why?
Well first off, I have to say that in general, I resent the move to "mend fences" when a person is tranquil about the decision because it is, for all intents and purposes, self serving! They get to wash away the bad feelings themselves, whilst denying others that same right...and we know why: because if they admitted they were going to commit suicide, their friends and/or family would almost certainly resort hospitalization or the police.
Secondly, no matter how hard those who take their lives try to spin it, the reality is that their family and friends will never get over the action. They will forever ask themselves what they should have, could have and neglected to do; they will forever beat themselves up over any perceived slight.
Thirdly, on a quantative basis, suicide usually leaves more victims than it takes. Parents, siblings, friends, other relations, co-workers...the potential list of those impacted usually spills far beyond one!
Finally, there is always the possibility that suicide may inspire someone else! When George Chuvalo takes stock of the losses in his family, he can see that one son took his life, one died of a drug overdose, and the combination of this led to his wife's suicide. Did the first son mean to kill his mother? Of course not...but he contributed in at least part.
We never know how far the impacts of suicide go because it is internalized to great extent!
On the flip side, I think society has to begin looking at mental illness in a new way. The reality is that most mental health ailments either have a high risk of recurrance, or may never be rectified.
If someone is suffering with cancer, and treatment is unsuccessful, then society tends to be forgiving of euthanasia- perhaps society should be as forgiving for someone who suffers debilitating mental health conditions that destroy their quality of life!
However to be honest, I can't describe it as anything BUT selfish for a person to take their life before they've exhausted any and all treatment options!