That's interesting ZenCat. But do you really think it could be said to be selfish?
What if the mental and emotional pain is incredibly severe? What if it is comparable to severe physical pain? That's like comparing watermelons and grapes, I know. Still, is not selfish to expect someone in an acute and chronic state of pain to endure that state so that the people around them can have solace in their continued presence/existence?
I don't think suicide is noble. I've never seen it in that light, although I do think it requires courage (for some more than others). And being inconsiderate of the way it's done - especially having family/friends have to clean up, or jumping in front of a car (having the driver bear that guilt/trauma) - yes, I think that's selfish. Still understandable, but selfish.
However, I think there is such a vast and incredible difference in the mental and emotional state of someone considering/planning suicide and someone in a healthier state. And especially for people who haven't ever experienced that (I don't mean people generally - not you specifically), I just don't always agree where they're coming from. I do believe that it's incomprehendable unless you've been there, and felt it - experienced the anguish, agony, and distress that just never gives out. So to call someone selfish FOR committing suicide, I just don't agree. It might feel selfish - because of the heavy burden that people are left to deal with. But as painful as that is, it was never about them to begin with.
That's why I exempted those living with chronic pain/terminal illness from the perspective. That's an entirely different situation. I am a staunch supporter of merciful euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. And I take my hat off to those who find the empathy for those they leave behind and consider what their choices will mean to them.. and go off somewhere, privately, where they may not be found or take the time to make it look like an accident. Instead of creating a spectacle for innocents to discover and carry the memory of for life. I think those who do this are by far the exception to the rule, though.
And yes, I do consider some acts of suicide to be selfish. Even cowardly.
We're seeing an increase in suicides in the current economic downfall (this is a trend which has been observed during other severe economic crises). There have been any number of news reports of (mostly) men committing suicide because they lost their job, could no longer afford to pay their mortgage, bills, etc. Some of these individuals took their wives and kids out with them. Those who did not left their wives and children to sort these issues out on their own, only they added the devastating burden of being a suicide survivor to the already existing severe challenge. Not to mention most life insurance policies become null and void in the event of suicide.
To me, that is a clear indication of selfishness.
As far as those who believe suicide can be (and often is) a reckless, careless, selfish act...
Have you heard people say that committing suicide is selfish?
Am I ignorant in thinking that it is ignorance speaking? And a lack of empathy, a lack of understanding, a lack of ability to relate? And selfishness?
I believe it is possible that many (though not all) people who hold this belief and who say these things may be suicide survivors. I don't believe in every case that it's ignorance, or lack of empathy, or lack of understanding, or lack of ability to relate. I certainly don't think it's selfishness.
To gain perspective, I encourage those who are interested in seeing both sides to research suicide survivor support groups and websites. Often, the stigma associated with suicide denies the loved ones of those who commit suicide the traditional bereavement rituals commonly associated with natural death.
Often, people are so uncomfortable they don't even extend condolences to the surviving family. They don't attend the funerals. They don't send cards, or flowers. They don't mention it because they don't know what to say. It leaves the survivors feeling isolated, guilty, ashamed, angry, and so many other things on top of the incalculable sadness of feeling like someone would throw away a life they shared with you, thereby forever changing your life (and the life of your shared children).
Many suicide survivors may share the chronic possibly genetic predisposition to depression that led their loved ones to suicide. There can very well be an understanding of the urge, but a rejection of the act.
Many of us can contemplate suicide, and live in deep despair, but find a foothold in life in knowing the ravages your suicide will bring to those who love you. For some, acknowledging that love... feeling that empathy... can be the first step toward getting help, and rebuilding or remaking your life.