suicide
Our local radio station has a #bangene campaign in effect due to the comments of Gene Simmons regarding depression and suicide. Although I support freedom of speech, I feel that Gene has gone too far as his opinions could influence others who are so deeply depressed to the point where suicide is considered an option. With such social influence should come responsibility. Those who are in such a position should be aiming to educate and to break the stigma, not promote such a negative point of view that could impact someone's decision to take their own life. It may not be obvious to those who have not experienced depression in some way or another, but when one's thoughts may be so clouded and distorted from this illness, his words may be taken to heart and acted upon.
I have never attempted suicide, but I have thought about it in the past. I had gotten to the point where some minor details of my potential suicide were decided upon, but really it was not a thorough plan. (Should I be ashamed to admit this due to the possibility of being stigmatized against? Or that friends or family may come across this post? I'm putting those thoughts and fears aside to get you thinking, to educate and to continue the much needed dialogue about mental health/illness.) That's how down I was. I cried thinking of the people that would be hurt by my actions if I followed through. I didn't really talk about my thoughts of ending my life though at the time (other than my psychiatrist, who likely felt that I had no serious intent possibly because the thoughts had started to subside at that point). This was probably out of uncertainty, perhaps shame and fear, but also not wanting to upset anyone close to me. Had I been certain to go through with it, I probably wouldn't have said a word either because if I was that far gone and feeling that there was absolutely no hope, why would I want my plan possibly ruined?
I can't say for sure how I would have reacted to hearing Gene's words during those times of despair, but I can assume that I may have felt ashamed, guilty and even more worthless than I already felt. I don't think his words could have possibly pushed me over the edge though not only because I only had thoughts and not much of a plan, but those comments would have made me angry (as they do now). I'm sure I would have thought something along the lines of "Fuck you! It's not your right to tell me to 'jump'! This is my life and you have no say!" Suicide would have had to have been my own decision. I would have had to have owned it.
These days, I'm more about owning my life than thinking about ending it. Despite the the downfalls and shortcomings of life, I'm glad I didn't give in to those thoughts. I'm sure the majority of those who have considered suicide are thankful they didn't go through with it, which is one reason why suicide prevention is so important and why Gene's comments were so wrong. We should be looking to reach out and help save lives rather than say ignorant things that could potentially lead to someone losing their life.
I have never attempted suicide, but I have thought about it in the past. I had gotten to the point where some minor details of my potential suicide were decided upon, but really it was not a thorough plan. (Should I be ashamed to admit this due to the possibility of being stigmatized against? Or that friends or family may come across this post? I'm putting those thoughts and fears aside to get you thinking, to educate and to continue the much needed dialogue about mental health/illness.) That's how down I was. I cried thinking of the people that would be hurt by my actions if I followed through. I didn't really talk about my thoughts of ending my life though at the time (other than my psychiatrist, who likely felt that I had no serious intent possibly because the thoughts had started to subside at that point). This was probably out of uncertainty, perhaps shame and fear, but also not wanting to upset anyone close to me. Had I been certain to go through with it, I probably wouldn't have said a word either because if I was that far gone and feeling that there was absolutely no hope, why would I want my plan possibly ruined?
I can't say for sure how I would have reacted to hearing Gene's words during those times of despair, but I can assume that I may have felt ashamed, guilty and even more worthless than I already felt. I don't think his words could have possibly pushed me over the edge though not only because I only had thoughts and not much of a plan, but those comments would have made me angry (as they do now). I'm sure I would have thought something along the lines of "Fuck you! It's not your right to tell me to 'jump'! This is my life and you have no say!" Suicide would have had to have been my own decision. I would have had to have owned it.
These days, I'm more about owning my life than thinking about ending it. Despite the the downfalls and shortcomings of life, I'm glad I didn't give in to those thoughts. I'm sure the majority of those who have considered suicide are thankful they didn't go through with it, which is one reason why suicide prevention is so important and why Gene's comments were so wrong. We should be looking to reach out and help save lives rather than say ignorant things that could potentially lead to someone losing their life.