Why suicide prevention fails.

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There are a lot of hotlines and a lot of services on the web for people who are depressed enough to want to die. The problem with these is that they aren't really safe in the eyes of people that would use them. Nobody wants to be thrown in a padded room. There's no guarantee that you could use the service and not have this happen to you. The 800 services can automatically have your number and location displayed on their computer screen and from there notify the authorities. Through email it could be a little more difficult, but you can still trace an IP address.

Occasionally, that may be the only way to prevent the commission of suicide. Usually, though, the best thing is good counselling and a shoulder to lean on.

Knowledge that such an even would occur causes people to keep it to themselves until its too late for anything to be done.

Tragic, innit?

Why, have you called a suicide counselling service before?

I've not called one for that reason.

I've tried calling them...I think what I can expect from them is a momentary alleviation of pain, by just being able to talk to somebody for a few minutes...sometimes, depending on who you get, it could worsen my emotional state though......I think if one can get over the moment of suicidality, just manage not to act on the urge of the moment, then one can get into the mindset that allows him/her to hold a positive perspective on life, or at least work on it rather than going down the destructive side...
Oh, and if you have ...umm...what do you call them...that option on your phone to keep your number private, I think they wouldn't be able to track you...
I hope you don't ponder suicide as a possibility...You're a nice cat person...this planet needs you...

I know what you mean. I was so scared of being "punished" for just being honest about my feelings. This was intensified when i finally did tell someone I thought was a friend. She told my dorm residant assistant and I was forced into counselling. From there, I was eventually talked into going to a mental hospital. They didn't tell me if I voluntarily went (which they said was the best option for me, and that it would make me feel safe if i went) that I couldn't voluntarily leave. I freaked out when I got there. Being in a new place, no one there, no way out, no support... I called my parents finally (they didn't know what all was going on with me) and they came and got me before i was offcially admitted. Then the only way to keep from being admitted by my school's counseling, was to be under house arrest and under constant care. Punishment. All because I had told a friend and had just wanted a shoulder to lean on. I lost an entire group of friends, 6 total. I shut myself in my dorm room after my house arrest was over. I became increasingly depressed, and this time no one to be there but my boyfriend, which was a new relationship, he tried, but things were rocky. I finally broke and attempted suicide. My bf did save my life my making me throw up and gave me a place to stay for the day, but he was the only one who would just be there like i needed someone to be. Any of the other help that others recommend, or force, you to do, only make things worse. I didn't want to be locked up. I didn't want to be medicated. I wasn't crazy just going through a really hard time that I couldn't figure out. I just wanted help, I didn't want to be punished. This experience made me reallize that our mental health system, at least in the United States, is flawed and does not offer help to those who need it most.

sorry to hear that jnet. I think that some people do need to be hospitalized but for many its the worst thing you can do to someone---they think their life is terrible and guess what you are doing by locking that person up? making it worse. I am glad my parents never tried that. I never told them I was thinking about things but I told my brother. He told my parents. I never said ANYTHING for the longest time because I figured they would do something drastic "for your own good". That concepts sickens me in a personal way because of how my parents used it (in other ways) in their own self righteous way.

Of course there are people that need to be locked up, but if someone really wants to end it, locking them up is not always the best way to help them. I think distracting them is. Take them on a trip. Stay with them constantly and talk. Do that until you feel confident you can let up. Make sure other friends do the same. All that support will do more good than any sending a person to a cold room with people in lab coats. I think that instead of people just saying "if you feel suicidal tell someone", make sure they also know that everyone will join together to help you get past a rough time. And of course counseling can help but it has to be willing.

I called the Samaritans once... totally useless. Called them when I was about 14 or 15. I wouldn't bother again. If things get that bad, I would make sure it ended once and for all. I have a pack of razors here for that purpose as I swore I would die before ending up in hospital again, totally consumed by my obsessions.

I'm sorry. Do you have family?

I would hope that my life would be a good suicide prevention method. I've no job, no friends, little money, an erratic college attendance record, still live with my parents, and I am in constant danger of falling apart mentally. Yet I am as happy as a pig in crap. If I haven't committed suicide yet, why should anyone else?

Plus the samaritans signs on the bridge i wanted to jump off were perfectly placed as a step to put foot on to help climb over railings.

Don't. It's a decision you can never reverse.

I do not find that a worry, considering the past I have behind me. At one point, I was so severely enmeshed in my OCD that it came to a point I was forced into hospital and I lost touch with reality... it is the most frightening experience of my life and I swore that if that came back again, I would end it, and if it does ever come back again, I shall because I see little point in a life that is simply packed full of obsessions and a flawed and faulty brain. I believe that psychological issues can be just as valid a reason for euphanasia as physical issues.

Again, I am very sorry in regards to your experiences. I wish I could say I had some understanding of your situation but unfortunately I don't. I want to put my cards on the table. I am against very strongly against euthanasia. I admit that I have a personal bias. I do this because I want to be able to ask you this question as forthrightly and honestly as possible. You say you have a flawed and faulty brain. Where did you get this idea? Who told you this?

This is not intended as any personal insult. Perhaps you came to that accord through your own considerations.

I understand that obsessive compulsive disorder is not what the average person goes through. I was diagnosed with what is obviously a more moderate case. Suicide, and sincere suicidal desires are not normal processes of the mind. I wish I could I was some expert, but I'm not. I really don't understand what brings them on, or makes them go away.

I wish you the best in your situation. I wish I knew more how to help.

Removed. Shared too much.