2wheels4ever wrote:
Not about me, I'm doing relatively fine but I received news about someone I know taking their own life. This person struggled with alcoholism and depression and had made attempts in the past. As far as I can tell what triggered this event was seeing his ex-wife and her new friend posting their status on Faecebook. All parties involved were in the same circles at our church. I mentioned this person's passing to someone and they were of the opinion that this wouldn't have happened if the person hadn't had a weak mind, whereas I feel strongly that addiction and depression can drive one to a place of complete hopelessness. Interestingly enough, my observation that Faecebook does more to divide people than to connect them was also invalidated - the person who feels opposite me forgets the nephew she's written out of her life and sisters she refuses contact with yet will share with anyone baby photos of a child she has no biological connection with and after they reach about 3 years of age will get tired of and on to the next one...
Well, sorry about this. It's sad to me when someone takes their life because of depression. Sounds like he's a classic case ... trying to cope with mental illness with alcohol. I wish he had been able to get help because it is out there.
Not surprising that the churchgoers are unsympathetic. They tend to view suicide as an insult to God and a show of failing and weakness to the group. Let them have their Facebook friends and circles. It keeps them occupied.
Personally I think it is a symptom of depression to cause one's mind to become self-destructive. If the depression is alleviated, the destructive thoughts will disappear. So I don't think it is a question of will or weakness, just body chemistry.
I think too that people feel insulted when someone commits suicide because it is a rejection of the group/society. Happy people don't like reminders that the world can be unpleasant for some. It's a buzz kill.
07 Mar 2015, 8:59 am
