I know what other people call it – suicide. I am often shocked at the simple minded misconceptions about deciding to take your own life. I am tired of people calling the person who exercised their last right – to take their own life, as being selfish.
My mother exercised her right to die – she starved herself to death. She killed herself because she was in extreme distress. I believe that she had the right to freedom of choice. I am not angry with her. I am relieved for her. I miss her but I know she has found peace. Don’t, please, tell me about the religious jargon about the sins of killing yourself.
A very good friend, of over 30 years, died 2 weeks ago; I believe he took his own life, but no one wants to say the words.
You can say, well I get depressed and I stick it out. If you can say that you don’t know what it feels like to want to take your own life – you have not walked in those shoes. You have never been there so you cannot understand.
Please do not judge a poor soul who cannot make it one more minute.
My Father ended his life by carbon monoxide , he gassed himself, my sister is very bitterly angry with him because of that, I however am not angry, I completely understand why he did it, because I too tried to end my own life 20 odd years ago, and I very nearly succeeded, I had my reasons at the time, I still struggle with severe depression, I have all my life, I manage through medication and therapy, and despite suffering a great loss just a few months ago, I have no desire to end my life, but that is me, I would never condemn anyone who ends their life, they have their reasons, they have their limits. I do believe it is everyone’s right to choose whether they live or die on their own terms.
That is one of the most profound things I have ever read dear man. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I am here for you.
I have a battle with this every time the subject comes up in a conversation. “It’s a sin for one to take their own life”. I really dislike this judgement. I believe in God, but I also believe that if one does attempt to, or is successful in taking their own life, the person wants the pain they are going through to end, and probably feels this is the only way. This is not an excuse for others to judge.
Thank you for your comment. I know this is a difficult subject for many particularly those with religious beliefs but I just think we need to talk about it. You have done that and I respect you for saying something, thanks
I’ve had elderly people in my family who have decided to deny themselves food and water and medical intervention. I wouldn’t call this suicide. In all cases they had lived a full life and their bodies had outlived their will to live. It is the young people who are facing temporary problems that make that decision that is troublesome.
Leslie
I know that it is reasonably common for elderly people to deny food and water. In my mothers case she killed herself due to extreme emotional distress brought on by the betrayal of her step children and the resulting years of hurt. I agree it is harder to face if it was a young person.
It has to be very painful for you to have gone through that with your mother. My heart goes out to you, Louise.
Leslie
Thank you so much for your support and kind and thoughtful words.
You are not alone, Louise.
Leslie
🙂 Hugs to you.
Thank you, Louise for your heartbreaking, honest post. Keep using your voice. Love and light.
honesty is the only way to go, I believe.
This is brave, honest, real, sad and somehow not sad because you, her daughter, lives, understanding and so grown into wisdom. That alone.. You, made her life multifaceted even after she passed. Having just read a book by Poet Anne Sexton’s daughter, Linda, on her mom’s life and suicide, I’m reading this with richer understanding. My cousin and grandfather committed suicidal de. Linda Sexton says suicide may be hereditary. I don’t know, but like you, I don’t see taking your own life as simply selfish. It is our right. It hurts those who love us. It is part of life.
Your writing is so observant and enriching, you are a dear person. Thanks
Louise