When is life not worth living anymore?

reply to post by davespanners


Life is only not worth living, if you don't have all your freewill. If a group controlled your thoughts and actions, with death comes your freewill again.

I loved reading some of the comments in this thread... I've had my struggles in life as well,
so in some selfish way it's nice to know that I'm not the only one that is going though hard times.

TD Jakes helped me through some of my pain...

Just thought I'd share...

Also, i know the frustrations. I know the fights, progression, regression, hope and despair. I know the mind games we play with ourselves.

It all comes down to fear. A depressed person is used to existing at that low energy level. Instead of experiencing expansive emotions like joy, happiness, peace and faith, he experiences contractive emotions. emotions that suck energy from YOU as opposed to you recieving energy from higher emotions. When he reaches or experiences a "higher state", this higher state feels uncomfortable. The depression he is used to says "im still depressed". Beneath the joy is a depression. Both are present. The depression says "i cant be happy". And the mind agrees with it. It treats the depression as a command. The depression "demands" that you worship it alone. That your mind remain completely fixated on it. And when another thought comes in to say differently. When the reason enters, what does depression say?? He throws doubts into your mind "you cant be happy" "you cant be confident", "you have this problem and that problem" ad infinitum. It can be a cat and mouse game sometimes. I know. And it doesnt change in an instant. It takes discipline, it takes courage and belief. Eventually you will be led by your higher self towards your cure and happiness. Thats what you truly want. As long as you BELIEVE it, and not lot the satanic fear and doubt to enter, you will achieve it.

reply to post by davespanners


Personally I would only consider it if I was already close to the end of my life and in a great deal of pain. Generally that means being an old person, though I could imagine some situations where a young person only has a few months to live and there is no hope of surviving, and the pain was unbearable.

I guess the litmus test of when it's right for me is whether it's purely emotional or if it's actually to ease physical pain and suffering that will just keep getting worse with no hope of recovery. I don't think It'd ever be justified (for me) to do it simply for reasons of Depression.....that situation can, and usually does change with time.

My two worst fears would be to be completely paralyzed, or losing my mind through Alzheimer (or something similar). I think I could handle the paralyzed thing...(though I'm sure I'd be incredibly depressed for a long time till I could deal with it...I could still be some sort of member of society as long as I still had my Brain. Now the whole Alzheimer thing is a bit more troubling.....I would hate the thought of going through it....but then again, who's to say I couldn't have a somewhat happy life with it? I've been in a lot of nursing homes and have witnessed quite a few happy and childlike members of that community...whether from Alzheimer or just Dementia (which isn't to suggest that I didn't witness many incredibly depressed individuals as well). I guess I'd be afraid of it......but I don't think I'd want to end it just because of it...there'd still be hope of some happiness left.

So yeah....my vote is....Incredible Pain...and no hope whatsoever. I'd consider it.......Just being depressed or going through something life altering like Alzheimer's....I guess I'd rather stick around and see it through....Though I'd make no judgments about anyone who feels otherwise.

Oh yeah...and if I'm brain dead, then definitely pull the plug...as far as I'm concerned I'd already be dead for all intents and purposes at that point.

Here is one of my favorite authors, Terry Pratchett, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's investigating his own options over his right to die..
It's a truly tragic thing that such a brilliant mind has been stricken with this and it seems that he feels that living without that part of him isn't worth it

I contemplate suicide quite a bit. Why wouldn't I? I have no fear of death, our souls are infinite beings and although we would leave our loved ones temporarily it would not be forever. A lot of times I just think to myself why I even bother putting up with this 3D dream world. Having said that, I fear that by committing suicide I am missing out on the lessons that life is supposed to teach me. What if there is something I need to do before I die, someone I need to help or something I am supposed to leave behind. Or maybe something I need to learn, I don't know. Our souls did not land here by accident, we are here for a reason, both individually and for each other. Who knows where the real governance of the universe lies, and what is really expected of us. Therefore I choose to stick it out for as long as I can, do whatever I can to help whomever I can, and be as happy as possible. My day will come but will likely not be by my own hand (given a few exceptions, i.e. I was about to suffer a horrible death in another fashion but chose to jump off a building instead).
I am not a dark person in anyway. People would describe me as positive and outgoing, and I am. Live life to fullest everyday. However I do sometimes think in the back of my head the I have an opportunity to exit this body if I died, and how that would feel and what it would be like to just end it all now and be done with the hell that is our society.

Good topic.

Anyone who is over the age of 18, should have a right to die.

Problem is what were they living for? For Themselves? For Others? For an ideal, which a self-illusion? For plain survival?

There is no universal individual experience.

Many that check out early, are doing so due to emotional pain. They are the brave ones, they overide the survival instincts.

i have accomplished everything i ever asked out of myself, i made it to national tv 3 times, i worked in vegas hotels doing entertainment/showbusiness. i should be dancing in the streets and patting myself on the back.

But im not because i learned about human nature, this limited fleshly existence with its desires and needs to keep "fed and bred" is all very temporary, but aethism has spread so much into everyday living, it has festered into narcissim, mixed with nihilism. the obsession of self, but careing about nothing. This makes for greed, and the world is a corrupt place, and i cant just pick up a shovel, declare myself a farmer and go be a hermit somewhere, i cant raise the money for it. thats the problem, we are no longer able to be what we want, everybody else has to regulate it for us, and prevent us from acheiving. the corruption is hilarious to the point of as prediactable as maslows heirarchey of needs.

The people committing suicide are not the selfish ones, the selfish ones are those who hold the power over others lives either preventing or enabling them to live as they really want. "i want to be an astronaught" no you cant you never went to college. no you cant you didnt join the airforce.

i want to work on wall street, no you cant you are not in the skull and bones., etc.

the selfish ones are not the suiciders, they are the others who prevented a perfectly beautiful dream from coming true due to regulations and rules.

i just want to be a farmer, but no i cant, i dont have the money. the money to eat off the land as my ancesters did.

fault that people.

Some particular responses that I have read made me angry, some made me wanna cry, and some were very compassionate. Great read, good topic to discuss...thanks OP.

I would like to share my 2 cents on the subject.

I have contemplated suicide a few times. I have idealized my death on many occasions. I am trying to get help right now.... but often times wonder if it will result in any difference.

here is the back story:
I was in a couple car accidents, and as a result, my brain and body never will be the same. It's a shame, I had a lot of potential, as I am young, was spontaneous, and very optimistic about the future and my world. But since my world has went down hill, all those people who supported me while I was at my best, left me all alone when I had reached my lowest. Apparently I was "bringing them down".
Friends don't call and invite me out no more because I don't give positive energy to others like I used to, I take it out of them. I can't keep up with them. I'm broke and can't afford needed medications to manage my non cancer chronic pain condition, let alone go out to the pub for a couple pints, or the casino... if I even muster up the energy to do so.
None of my friends or family offer tangible help. I tried talking to people about suicide as a way for me to stop this chronic pain that has no known cure. All I hear is "that would be selfish of you. I would really miss you. I think it's a cowards way out. It can always be worse, you could be a starving child in Africa".
My response:
YOU're the one being selfish. I think it's worse than chinese torture to expect someone to "live" through poor health because YOU think it could always be worse, or that YOU think it's coward...

Would you honestly tell me to my face, that if you would be in moderate to severe pain on a daily basis and there is no known cure for this pain that you would NOT entertain the thought of suicide? If you were still able bodied enough to be able to commit to such a brave and selfless act, you would not try to end the pain?

You probably would say "no, I would NEVER!". I say, you are lucky, please count your blessing that you have never had to be in such a painful position to contemplate it. And please, don't talk to me about suicide because you will obviously never understand.

Originally posted by MamaJ

Originally posted by Whateva69
reply to post by MamaJ

 

It’s all about me, me…me…me, how could they do this to ME. Who’s the selfish one?
What about the poor soul, what about them.

No you are quite wrong.....its never about ME ME ME ME....Experience makes a difference.

Have you found someone dead after they have blown their brains out?

Have you listened to moaning and groaning of a dying child for months?

From MY experience and MY beliefs I will not ever condone this act.

We are here to experience LIFE. We chose to come. We are supposed to LOVE each other As Our Self.

Had my boyfriend (who killed himself) told me what he was going to do should I have told him...ok...Go For It?

I will never tell anyone its ok. Its not. Live and climb the Mountains.....you will be stronger than you was before. Love others enough to not put them through the pain and memories of seeing your brains and blood all over the place.

You guys can judge me for an opinion.....thats cool with me. Judge on. I will not waiver my opinion on this. I have seen it, seen what it does to the ones left behind and have been through my own hell with it.

Its just not cool with me

I know this post wasnt directed to me but...

I've assisted suicide with both my parents (for medical reasons)
I've buried 3 friends who comitted suicide. One jumped in front of a train, one slit her wrists, and one deliberately crashed his car (can think of better ways but ok).

Yes it's a mess for the people who stay behind, YES it HURTS for the ones that stay behind, YES (in case of my parents) it's very tempting to prolong making the final call but the ones that made the choice for themselves are FREE to make that choice.

The only way you can show how much you care about/love that person is to respect THEIR choice and forgive them for the pain they cause to YOU (not themselves, they made this choice WAY before acting on it usually)

I really don't understand the hypocriscy of people who come here ranting about how selfish it is to leave people behind when killing yourself, especially when inspired by religious reasons. Not saying i wouldve killed myself over the reasons my friends did but THEY draw the line as to what their limits are and when/if they will end their life, not some book(s) written hundreds of years ago judging wether it's the right thing to do or not (or a sin for that matter).

reply to post by InnerTruths


Another response that hurts my heart.

Personally, I think people should stfu and let people live, or end their lives if they feel the need to. The only time I will talk someone out of suicide, is when I can clearly see that "Hey, this will change. It won't be with you forever." But, if its evident that the person is going to suffer here until they die naturally, I won't feel right telling them "Hey, stick it out...suffer a bit. Suffer for your family and friends...you'll die anyway." It's just wrong. I won't urge them to commit the act, nor would I discourage them. I'd simply wish them the best in what decision they make. It is hard being in constant pain with no end in sight. When medical science has not advanced to the point that it can help you...what are you to do? Remain here and suffer until your body shuts down, or pull the switch early and save yourself some sorrow and distress? There are so many hardships people go through that I can survive and live through, but every once in a while, there are those hardships that leave me without words. If I were in some of your predicaments, I don't know what I'd do. I'd probably pull the switch too.

Whatever you choose to do, may it lead you to happiness friend.

well i'll say this, having dmd i often feel like this weak, deformed and useless body is a prison, hell i feel guilty to be alive regularly; being such a burden, that i've thought it might be nice to be able to choose; if it might relieve my burden, but in the end that would be escapism. my fear of death makes me look down on those who even try as weaklings who are running from their pain. i think it is more brave to live a long suffering than it is to quickly end your suffering.

reply to post by namehere


Look down to bravery because you are too coward to face the reality of death?

People have this fear of the unknown.

This world has brainwashed us good. So good that we are afraid of what is imminent and natural.

while my overall opinion doesn't change
I'm leaning more and more towards "now"

and its people that will drive me to suicide

the people who refuse to see the truth
the people who point fingers
the people who do not take responsibility
the people who are in denial

I really see no hope for this species.

Originally posted by davespanners

Can you ever imagine a point where you would consider suicide as an option, or do you believe that it is never an option however bad life gets?

I think having to decide whether to sacrifice my pets, or which family member to eat, would do it for me. I don't want to live in a world where on would have to make such decisions. Also, I don't want to survive by living in a cave or smelly bunker, eating dried beans and rations. Nope.

I would go "home!"

Reply to post by davespanners

It depends how much pain one is in. Even knowing you have loved ones, the pain is too much to bear. But there is help out there, one just needs to seek it.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

Dave, I am no expert on what is right, but I consider myself an expert on pain, otherwise I wouldn't be here leaving a message on your space. Everytime I get depressed, I try to rationalize my reasoning....well, Jesus Christ said that.."there is no greater gift than for one to give up his own life for his friends". Well, from my point of view...that made sense, I am a curse not only to myself, but to everyone connected to me. It would benefit everyone if I just left. To me Jesus committed suicide by cop! I love Jesus and people will benefit from my demise. Can you imagine the feeling that I had less than a year later when, while eating in a chinese restaurant an elderly man choking to death on the floor and from my point of view everything was in slow motion...he was gone. I jumped up got behind him and I didn't even know what I was doing....I just noticed that no one else was getting up to help this man. I saved his life, he was a 70 something yuear old man. But, my thought was...something that God put into that man was being taken away and I stopped it from leaving. At that moment...that very moment I understood what was going on and it's very simple.Do you understand?

I was born with a incurable disease and each year it just gets worse..My family knows when the time gets close i plan on suicide im not trying to be judgmental but this is what i plan on doing i will not put my body through the pain.. "Suicide is not a selfish act - It is an act of desperation by someone in intense pain" I don't consider it a "sin" or a "crime,"..I wish to live as long as possible, but not at the expense of enduring what might be an undignified death, because that decision will always be subjective. In the final days or weeks of my life, if I consider my suffering to be unbearable, I would like the choice to die at home at a time of my choosing surrounded by my loved ones. This may well not be a choice I choose to enact, but it is a choice I would still like to have – a choice that would give me, and many others, enormous comfort.So, I support the right to die.I choose the way I lived my life, I should be able to choose how to end my life..
Peace sugarcookie1

reply to post by davespanners


I haven't read all the replies but for me the only thing that makes life not worth living is death.

I say peace and happiness. I know you qualified your question however I question any living beeing asking that question cause when everything fails the one thing we (and I mean all of us) have is life. It's a beautiful thing!!

I like the question though cause I think far too many people, especially in the Western world commit suicide. It's weird that in a war torn country suiced rates are really low. Why?? Maybe because when you have to fight for life you realise the true value of the gift we have.

Anyway... just my thoughts

reply to post by InnerTruths


i face it daily, do you? and of course i fear it, but so what? i dont think i'm running just because i wish to fight to live, why be in a rush to die?

I fail to see how you equate my views as me being brainwashed, i think on it daily, and there is no need to lay insult for a difference in opinion.

I know this post wasnt directed to me but... I've assisted suicide with both my parents (for medical reasons) I've buried 3 friends who comitted suicide. One jumped in front of a train, one slit her wrists, and one deliberately crashed his car (can think of better ways but ok). Yes it's a mess for the people who stay behind, YES it HURTS for the ones that stay behind, YES (in case of my parents) it's very tempting to prolong making the final call but the ones that made the choice for themselves are FREE to make that choice. The only way you can show how much you care about/love that person is to respect THEIR choice and forgive them for the pain they cause to YOU (not themselves, they made this choice WAY before acting on it usually) I really don't understand the hypocriscy of people who come here ranting about how selfish it is to leave people behind when killing yourself, especially when inspired by religious reasons. Not saying i wouldve killed myself over the reasons my friends did but THEY draw the line as to what their limits are and when/if they will end their life, not some book(s) written hundreds of years ago judging wether it's the right thing to do or not (or a sin for that matter).

reply to post by Romekje


Thats exactly right....it was not meant for you.....it was meant as my opinion. Ever heard the saying its like a butt hole....everyone has one. Look through these posts...there are tons of opinions.

Ultimately it is THEIR CHOICE. It is not mine....as I have been at the lowest bottom of the barrel and overcome lifes trials only to find myself right back again. I did not give up and I will not PROMOTE giving up.

Do you realize my son is on here and he is only 14. There are MANY under the age of 18 on here reading these posts where there are opinions talking about how hard depression is overwhelming and feeding into the notion it is OK TO KILL YOURSELF. ???? Twisted!

How sad so many believe this is ok. Are there different circumstances where one would indeed be just fine taking their life? Maybe so......Especially if they have been messed up in the head and do not know any better, but overcoming the silly talks in our head telling us no one loves us, everyone hates us, lets just get out of it.

How about this.....it seems the majority of people think its ok.

How would you feel now if I just say.......

Everyone who wants to kill yourself DO IT....no one cares if you do. DO it!!! Its ok.....there is no afterlife to be concerned about, there is no one that loves you enough to HELP you, life is a waste...we are so controlled, the pain is too much....just DO IT. You have free will and you are able because this is YOUR life and it will effect no one else.Its not selfish....your loved ones are. Its ok.... JUST LOVE YOURSELF and no one else....come on its ok to kill yourself. No worries...I support you killing yourself. REALLY? Is that what you want me to convey to the reader who is wanting to end their precious God given LIFE????????

I have overcome mountains ...I have ran up and down them all my life. I have seen as much death as one can handle. I have watched a young child die of SO MUCH PAIN....but ya know. HE NEVER HAD THE CHANCE to go through LIFES PAINS.....and I can guarantee you he would have smiled at the face of it!

LIFE IS A GIFT....this is how I see it. If you do not see it that way......it makes no difference to me as I UNDERSTAND we ALL have a mind of our own and a brain of our own. You may like squash. GREAT...I don't. You may think killing yourself is A-OK.....cool.....I DONT.

I believe in LOVE and conquering FEAR for it is the opposite of love.

I believe God gave us breath and it is not ours to take away.

I believe this existence is more than meets the eye and we all have challenges and lessons to be learned or WE WILL COME BACK to learn them if we do not GET IT this go around.

I believe in thinking of others more than myself.

I believe if one looks hard enough they will see others having a pity party too....and their burdens are MUCH WORSE, yet they CHOSE to survive and you can too!!!!!!!!!

I believe if you just cant take it anymore and kill yourself you will be forgiven ( I hope anyway)....I would forgive the person....in time and have.

You cannot go through life focusing on all the downs.....you have to go through life looking at the beauty of a creation that is endless and connected. Seeing the love in a flower bloom is enough to keep me going. Maybe I am just stronger.....I don't think that is the reason I never pulled the trigger though....my understanding of the world around me and the understanding of the infinite love that surrounds us daily is enough to keep ME going.

DO what you may...think what you want....at the end of the day suicide is not the way to go in MY OPINION.

FOR ANYONE who does not think life is worth living.....PLEASE EMAIL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Peace and love to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxox


Jenn