I know that there is help available and all that bullshit, but I want to know if there is a legitimate threshold when it is okay to kill yourself. When is it okay to give up and face the fact that a bullet in your skull will gain more traction than your wellbeing ever will? When is it okay to drop from a society that continually endeavors to divide? Is there ever a point where I have no excuse for not killing myself, and struggling would make things worse? What do philosophers or psychologists say about this?
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You’re free, it’s a personal question.
But before, why not sell some stuff and make a nice journey? Or spend an unreasonable amount on a very nice dinner? Approach strangers which seem interesting and find out whether they enjoy your company too? Any dream on your bucket list?
You literally have nothing to lose, which is quite a privileged position. You can probably enjoy more opportunities than before, and paradoxically practice more self care and live a happier life.
Of course this does not fit all states of mind.
You’re somewhat describing the argument of when is euthanasia ethical, if you want to do more reading on it.
There are a few countries, The Netherlands for one, Switzerland for another, that allow citizens (and non-citizens for Switzerland ) euthanasia for people with severe, non terminal mental health issues.
You could look into the criteria they use.
Debilitating, terminal illness.
Life is terminal and mental illness can be Debilitating.
Man, that’s a tough one. Like someone mentioned, that’s really a philosophical question. I’m not sure what you mean by “gain more traction.” Do you mean that people will care more? And I guess I would argue that there is generally not “a society that continually endeavors to divide.” Humans are social beings and have survived this long partially because of that. But if you look at news, social media, etc it does look like the world is going to shit.
Everyone experiences depression a little differently, but when I had my attempt and looked back after the fact, the biggest contributing factors were a lack of purpose and lack of human connection support. Things did not change until I met someone that would come to mean a lot to me. I got a different job and different friends that gave a shit. I don’t know you, but I give a shit about you. And I’m willing to bet there are some people that would like to get to know you and give a shit about you too.
You’re the only one that can convince yourself that life is worth living. And I would start with not looking at reasons not to die, but reasons to live. Even the smallest of reason. Use that as motivation to change your environment. This may sound dumb or cliche, but join literally any club. Having that connection can make a difference. Try. Is there any risk in not?
That being said, obligatory recommendation to dial 988 in the US. Maybe there’s a person that can talk with you about those difficult to answer questions. Hell, call more than once and see what the second person’s view is, maybe it’s better.
So it’s not a given “fact” that you’re facing in thinking that there isn’t anything that’s worth it, it’s a very really state of being. But states can change. Feel free to message me if you’d like; even just to unload some BS.
Reading into a bit of your question regarding societal rifts and divisions causing thoughts is suicidal ideation I believe there have been suicides that have attempted to bring issues, especially social and political, to light, and it genuinely doesn’t feel like they’ve effected any change. It’s much more beneficial to devote ones self to servicing change than to give up entirely, if you can’t find a way to affect change locally (you aren’t looking hard enough, or willing to sacrifice for a cause) there is an entire planet of people, most of whom can benefit from the knowledge and resources gifted to the average 1st world citizen, look at joining the peace Corp or doctors without borders, the conversation core, if you’re willing to sacrifice your life for a cause, why not do it while living? It will bring happiness and progress to people, rather than leaving people with shock and sadness that most will write off in seconds, and some will have to carry with them forever.
Reading a bit into your reply:
You are talking from a very US christian perspective.
A person’s value is measured in their value to society and others. To not aid others is wrong.
All people in the 1st world are, by definition, privileged when compared to the rest of the world, so they have a duty/burden to help the less fortunate.
Their euthanasia will cause pain and suffering to others, so they must continue.
I am speaking from a USA perspective, yeah.
I don’t know that it is a modern prosperity gospel/capitalist Christian perspective that seems to be the current USA religion. I consider myself not religious, Atheist.
I do think the education we receive is a privilege, one that I wish everyone would have access to and take advantage of. I do not think, or claim, there is a duty for anyone to assist in the development of other countries, but I do think there is a feeling of fulfillment that comes in doing so. I also think there is plenty of opportunity to do that type of work state-side, but if our societies divisiveness is causing thoughts of suicide it might be better to step away from the areas where our abused are most brought to light.
You have written in a way that charitable work is not of value, and that makes me very sad. People often find fulfillment in helping those less fortunate, it doesn’t lead to riches, and it’s often mired in bureaucracy, but it shouldn’t be scorned as a way to find value in life.
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I don’t know if any of these epithets help but as someone who has lived with acute depressive disorder for most of my life but who has also never had suicidal tendencies these make up the core of my ideals on the matter. I’m also a non-religious anti-thiest.
Survival is a winners game; game’s not over til you’ve lost.
Suicide is for cowards. You don’t fix any issues, you just shirk responsibility.
You’re the last in a genetic lineage that extends back to the creation of life itself, who are you to destroy that willingly?
Shit happens. Deal with it.
Mental health can be managed, the only time quitting the game becomes a legitimate strategy is when your physical health prevents you from acting.
Intrusive thoughts are just thoughts, they aren’t separate from you, they aren’t encroaching on your life, stop being scared of your own imagination, it’s a hologram of your own making.
Fear is bred of ignorance, if you’re scared of yourself you don’t know yourself.
Belligerence is a survival tactic. Be belligerent, say no. If someone wants to take your life, even yourself, make them fight for it. It might not seem like it’s worth much, but it’s the only value you have.
Can’t logic your way out of depression.
There is also the belief in many countries that anyone contemplating euthanasia is not thinking logically…