Why Suicide Is Selfish: Is Killing Yourself Selfish?
Several factors contribute to suicidal thoughts and attempts. A big part may be played by mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders. Desperation, loneliness, and social isolation can all be factors. The anguish of a person can also be made worse by past trauma, substance misuse, chronic disease or pain, significant life changes, or stressful situations. When people realize the lack of solutions and the help they could have gotten, they simply choose suicide to end their suffering. Due to the diversity of viewpoints on this subject among cultures, religions, and individuals, it often sparks a debate whether is it selfish to commit suicide or not.
Is It Selfish to Commit Suicide?
Although it is necessary to recognize that individuals experiencing such suffering may lead to suicide being the only available option, it is essential to approach the topic with empathy, caution, and understanding.
While it is not accurate or helpful to label suicide as selfish, some individuals do argue that certain aspects of suicide may be perceived as selfish due to the impact it has on those left behind. The effect that people believe suicide can inflict upon others could be:
- The emotional impact is the strongest on the loved ones since they are the closest to that person. This act can bring tremendous profound agony and sadness for family, companions, and anybody who knows the deceased.
- Death by suicide sometimes leads to abandonment or betrayal; hence, people sometimes are angry at the dead, which could lead to long-term psychological effects.
- Suicide often leaves unresolved issues, both for the person who died and those left behind, pressuring them to understand the reason for losing their close ones.
Effect Of Suicide On Other People?
Naturally, suicide often creates a ripple effect on many people labeling it as selfish. It may create a ripple effect, causing emotional distress and potentially influencing others who may be struggling with their mental health.
For the loved one, this act leaves them to grapple with feelings of shock, guilt, sadness, and confusion. They are left to digest the fact that their cherished one has chosen suicide instead of sharing their burdens with them. This results in them going through the stage of denial, regrets, and “If Only.”
They may struggle with questions about why the person chose to end their life and whether they could have done something to help prevent it. This sense of abandonment can intensify the survivors’ emotional impact, leading to anger, resentment, and confusion.
The Aftermath Of Suicide On Survivors
The aftermath of a suicide can have a long-lasting psychological effect on the survivors who experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors often develop strong suicidal thoughts, concluding they weren’t strong enough to end their lives. Witnessing or experiencing such a traumatic event can deeply impact a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
Is It Selfish to Commit Suicide Without Ever Reaching Out?
People are really quick to label suicide as selfish, but they never step up to know the reason before the act is done. Individuals contemplating or dying by suicide are highly personal. Some common reasons that contribute to behaviors are:
- Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or substance abuse disorders, can significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation. These distort a person’s thinking, making them feel trapped, hopeless, or overwhelmed by emotional pain.
- Social isolation or the feeling of being disconnected from others can exacerbate feelings of despair and hopelessness.
- Individuals who have experienced major traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse, losing a loved one, or significant life changes, may be at higher risk.
- Previous suicide attempts are a significant risk factor for future attempts. The experience of surviving a suicide attempt can heighten vulnerability and increase the risk of subsequent attempts.
Professionals highly recommend connecting when the signs prompting suicide are seen rather than lamenting later on, knowing they might have been helped overall.
What Are The Signs?
Spotting warning indications of suicide can be difficult because people don’t usually communicate their emotions. However, being aware of signs that may indicate their struggle.
- Pay attention if someone talks about feeling trapped, burdened, or having no reason to live. Unambiguously expressing their urge to commit suicide through thoughts or statements can be a giveaway.
- Watch for sudden and significant changes in someone’s behavior, such as completely withdrawing from social activities, isolating themselves, or displaying a lack of interest in things they used to enjoy.
- Look for signs of overwhelming emotional pain or a prolonged period of sadness, hopelessness, or despair. They may exhibit extreme mood swings or express feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame.
- If someone consistently talks or writes about death, dying, or suicide, it can be a cause for concern.
- Take note if someone has recently experienced major life-changing events. These factors can increase vulnerability.
- Be aware of impulsive or risky behavior, such as substance abuse, driving recklessly, or engaging in self-destructive actions.
These warning signals often don’t ensure someone’s intention to try suicide, but they can suggest they’re having trouble and could use some help.
How Can You Help?
When you observe any sign of distress and depression in your friends, family, or anyone you know around you, it is crucial to extend a helping hand and encourage them to seek support from a mental health professional. You can help them in the following ways:
- As a compassionate and understanding friend or family member, it’s essential to offer your unwavering support and be an active listener.
- Let them know that you genuinely care and are there to help them through their struggles. Empathy, a non-judgmental attitude, and care can make them feel safe, understood, and less lonely.
- It is important to guide them toward appropriate resources that can provide immediate assistance. Helplines or crisis services specific to your country can offer invaluable support in times of crisis.
- Encourage them to reach out for professional support that is available to them.
Letting them know that there is hope, that things can improve, and that they are not alone can be incredibly powerful. Together, with professional guidance and a strong support network, they can navigate through the darkness and find a path toward healing and recovery.
