Discussion of methods of taking ones life can lead to 'contagion'

[bigtree]

Josh Marshall ‏@joshtpm 24m

Others note that discussion of methods of taking ones life can lead to 'contagion'. Good point. Will simply say RW's was horrific death.

[ck4829]

1. Homo sapiens is a social animal

The ideas we trade with each other can affect us in many ways, maybe in ways we don't always understand.

[bigtree]

2. true. knowledge can be used in many different ways

. . . some for the good.

I think caution and care for the effect of these conversations is important. At least, folks discussing things should be prepared to take some responsibility for the consequences or effects of the rhetoric.

I'm impressed by the level and nature of most of the discussions about mental illness and depression in the wake of this death.

[Warpy]

3. Not necessarily

My dad picked my brains for suicide methods and lethal doses of medications. My mother was in her final illness and when she was awake, she begged everyone she saw to help her to die.

My dad put a lethal dose of sleeping medication within her reach. She knew it was there, ready to use any time it got too hard. She was already on antidepressants and had been for months.

She stopped begging for help in dying. She relaxed, knowing the way out was within her reach at any time. She died a year later, that bottle of pills untouched.

Sometimes, just assembling the means and knowing how to use them confers peace of mind.