Dear beloved,
As many of you may or may not know, I have struggled with depression since early childhood. Whatever the cause, the issue is real and quite difficult for me. I've had a rough bout of depression the last few months, and it had lead to increasingly contemplative thoughts about all things.
In recent wondering about suicidal individuals, and the factors contributing to suicidal behavior, I came upon a site that confirmed what I figured to be the reason for suicidal reasoning - and that has now been proven in the social sciences. I have highlighted sections that I personally have related to, and noticed.
In his new book, "Why
People Die By Suicide,” Joiner says that those who kill themselves not only
want to die, they have learned to overcome the instinct for self-preservation
through practice. Suicide victims get used to danger, fear and pain. They may
do this in a variety of ways over their lifetime. some
this practice is deliberate. They engage in reckless behavior, cut or otherwise
hurt themselves, or have repeated suicide attempts. Others may have a history
of accidents or medical procedures, while still others become inured
vicariously, that is, they are exposed on a daily basis through their work to
pain and suffering. Eventually,
self-injury and dangerous situations become unthreatening and mundane,
according to Joiner, making suicide easier to carry out.
"Some people think that those who commit suicide are weak,"
he said. "It's actually about fearlessness. You cannot do it unless you
are fearless, and this is behavior that is learned."
Knowing the
risk factors makes prevention possible, Joiner said, noting that maintaining
good interpersonal relationships is essential. "If you think you belong or
that you are contributing, you are going to be protected from suicide no matter
what else is going on. Part of the tragedy of suicide is that, unlike other
conditions, it’s often just a perception, one that is correctible through the
right kinds of treatment.”
