A discussion of why people commit suicide.
This paper looks at different types of suicide and examines how
in each case, the individual controls the means and moment of their death. It shows how suicide is motivated by universal human needs and how dissatisfaction with life seems to prompt all suicides, even those that reek of martyrdom and egoism. It examines the effect of religious and cultural beliefs which can lead to mass suicides of cult groups and discusses euthanasia or assisted suicide.
in each case, the individual controls the means and moment of their death. It shows how suicide is motivated by universal human needs and how dissatisfaction with life seems to prompt all suicides, even those that reek of martyrdom and egoism. It examines the effect of religious and cultural beliefs which can lead to mass suicides of cult groups and discusses euthanasia or assisted suicide.
“Combined with powerful psychological forces, these prevailing spiritual beliefs can make suicide seem attractive. Especially in a culture that does promote a sense of entitlement to constant fulfillment and happiness, grief and other uncomfortable emotions become difficult to deal with. Without adequate coping mechanisms, a person who suffers from depression or any sense of dissatisfaction could choose to give up on life rather than endure the downs with the ups. Our Prozac-popping culture devalues pain and misunderstands the potential power of pain to stimulate growth. Suicide is seen as an understandable, albeit unfortunate, solution to psychological discomfort.”