tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489009971732520747.post9125707735302037909..comments2024-03-24T07:19:28.136+00:00Comments on Lake Cocytus: Severe DepressionThe Shrinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10009039342346247138noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489009971732520747.post-61633886230315016022007-12-04T12:38:00.000+00:002007-12-04T12:38:00.000+00:00Thanks for stopping by and sharing such well thoug...Thanks for stopping by and sharing such well thought out considerations. And yes it's a dismal situation, really.<BR/><BR/>I agree that if a choice is made in clear consciousness, in the absence of mental illness, which is sustained over time, by a capacitated adult, then despite an urge to meddle he <I><B>does</I></B> have the right to make negative life choices (up to and including ending his life).<BR/><BR/>The crunch is he's not known to us so I'm not sure that's the scenario . . .The Shrinkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10009039342346247138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489009971732520747.post-75963118538793740842007-12-01T14:47:00.000+00:002007-12-01T14:47:00.000+00:00It is a sad thing. It doesn't even sound like he w...It is a sad thing. It doesn't even sound like he was irrational either - other than by definition of the intention of suicide (much like delaring yourself homosexual used to be c.1960s). <BR/>It's one part of the ethos of the Act I struggle to reconcile in myself. Here is a man thinking clearly and, apart from an understandable dysphoria, has weighed it up, doesn't see much point and wants to quietly exit stage left. Societal consensus opinion does not permit us to allow that.<BR/>Yes, he may have some mood difficulties, but is that the cause or consequence of his situation that leads him to consider suicide? Tho I actually think his hesitation in doing anything (distracting himself, 'forgetting' where he put the morphine, accepting help) is an indicator he isn't that compelled to end it all and the admission order might provide him that sense of human worth he seems to be lacking. A short stay might provide opportunity to explore with him the realistic options for bettering his mood - which seems to be giving him more to live for than to die for (ie removing as much pain; improving his function ability; de-stigmatising taking help and support; providing him a sense of purpose). Either that or it will give him the remaining necessary impetus to turn ideas into actions. The guy's done his time, paid his dues and now, amidst his debilitations, yet in the keeping of his values and morals to burden no-one, lacks any ambition and wants no more. <BR/><BR/>I note you cite he is 13 years widowed - but that he has no relationship difficulties. I'm sure you aren't implying his being widowed is not an issue - but I think it also more significant to note that you cannot replace that relationship with anything that might even come close - and certainly not 100mg Sertraline.<BR/><BR/>The challenge to mental health is, if after 'treatment' and discussion he remains suicidal, how to accept that his decision to end it is a viable and 'informed' choice - and if so, how would you mentally/spiritually support someone in that decision? <BR/><BR/>Could you ethically support this man to see his life as being complete and satisfying, in order they may bring it peacefully to a close (even if we're not allowed to assist with bringing about his death)? Showing him how worthwhile his life has been might actually make him reflect that it actually has been, and still is, worth living.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I don't think it's for us to force him to have ambition or to 'get happy' about life. He's achieved his lot or cannot achieve any more and if he wants to go, so be it. <BR/><BR/>If this comment seems like I'm swaying from pro to anti suicide - it is an accurate reflection of my thoughts.<BR/><BR/>Typing that was a not easy - but that's my human nature voice wanting to say 'live man dammit, live' against my humanity voice saying 'But it's his life, his choice' - but only a tiny little bit louder.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com