Reflections on the Structure of Suicide

  When someone hears the word suicide, there is generally an abrupt resounding emotive reaction. The first thoughts are of fear or remorse, perhaps of empathy. Always, one thought will lead to another, to the end which is regret. Individuals suffering from the loss of a known to suicide will regret not doing moire to help the deceased, will regret not spending more time with them, or hiding their secret sentiments. Yet, what consideration was made by the deceased of the well being of those for whom he cared? Those who now suffer ignorance?

The seed of suicide is not what most imagine it to be. Depression, while leading to morose thinking, does not solely bring one to take his life. The truest cause of suicide is fear. Fear and dread, and the inability or unwillingness to avoid them, may infect a mind so deeply, that it becomes only rational for the mind to take the body. Most are incapable of grasping the emotion experienced by those who know this great fear. In fact, most scoff at the "weakness" of those who bear it. However, you may know that the fear is valid, for , without it, could you end your own life? Quite clearly no. The causes of this fear are widely variable, yet it does share several commonalities in all cases.

First, it is ever-present. The affliction creating it is known so intimately to the bearer, that it is in his mind always. The cause of such dread might be an ever-present influence, or a known future event. The former being the most common. These influences may be physical or mental. For instance one fearing the future may suffer a terminal illness and wish to spare himself a gradual end, while another might fear future incarceration or other mentally tasking trauma. The ever-present influence is likewise; it may be chronic pain or chronic ridicule.

Second, it is usually compounded. Except in particularly dreadful situations, there are multiple causes. One who fears social gatherings might become a recluse, yet, if he fears loneliness as well, he may form thoughts of suicide to escape his terrors. A student outcast by his peers, might be consoled at home or elsewhere, yet, if elsewhere he is also rejected, death becomes freedom. Here is where therapy is most useful. Even if discourse cannot relieve the initial fear, it might form a relationship which the sufferer chooses to respect and not sever by means of death.

Thirdly, it is, in the mind of the afflicted, irrevocable. All are aware of the permanence of death, therefore to choose death, one is not going on a temporary respite, but has concluded that in life, there is no remedy to their problem. For one to believe that such is true they must have, invariably, considered ulterior routes, which brings us to our last condition.

It is an old fear. The cause of suicide has been known to the participant for some time. That is not to say that suicide is predictable, but only that it is pre-meditated. In many, the thought of suicide remains abstract until the trigger event which initiates action has sprung. Upon the inception of the final compounding event which converts suicidality to suicide, hope is discarded. Here the suicidal realizes that his future is beyond repair, and constructs an active plan.

The method chosen most commonly on impulse, is cutting. This represents the most reactive group of suicidals. Those who take their lives with this method have become so beyond their connection with humanity that they disassocciate with their own bodies. Pain is no longer worthy of their acknowledgement, as they are able to sever not only their skin, but arteries, nerves, tendons, and muscle in their brutal efforts to escape life.

Another common form of suicide is the overdose. This is most commonly done by the sorrowful suicidal, who wishes to lessen the shock of the discovery of their corpse, by eliminating blood from the picture. This is a calculated and determined act. It is the most difficult form, especially for physically healthy people. It is committed by those who fear hurting those who love them, and is most likely to be accompanied by a well written note.

Most other suicides may be classified as vengeful suicides. These include use of guns, explosives, vehicles of public displays, and are done as both self-harm and an attack. Here there will be either a personal explanation, a video, or no declaration of intent. Regardless of method, it is executed to bring either posthumous fame, or change. For instance, a monk lighting himself on fire and asking for peace, may sway a few more to his cause than a billboard, and as a group of teens killing themselves after a slaughter, will scorch them into the memories of millions for years to come.

Aversion of suicide is the most difficult topic of this set. To penetrate a suicidal so far as to be capable of convincing them against their plan, is virtually impossible if their commitment is genuine. However, in most cases, attempts and threats of suicide are invalid attempts at gaining attention. For these cases you must realize that the party is still developmentally immature. His mind is processing events and realizations in a manner which cannot be respected. Yet, revealing to them this disrespect outright will most likely vilify their psyche and establish greater commitment to the act. To successfully change the line of thought, it is best to encourage discourse with a trusted known of the suicidal. With this person involved it is much simpler to establish a line of influence which will be honestly considered by the afflicted. Reminding them of the problems they will cause by committing suicide will not alleviate their stress in anyway and I recommend against it. In talking to him, be understanding. If he does not feel welcome by those who are trying to save him, he will have urges to rebel against them, which may lead to a faster suicide. Once trust has been established, each case becomes unique. Do not act only on instinct, but on reason. The comforting hug might be the reward the suicidal is seeking for their behavior. This is not to say that at no point may he be comforted, but he should not be praised.

Good luck to you all.