Posted by ElaineM on September 28, 2006, at 16:40:34
In reply to Hmmmmm...*trigger* (about death and stuff), posted by Deneb on September 28, 2006, at 1:05:26
I think about this one alot. I spent alot of last year tending to relatives as they got sick and died and it made me really conscious about what *I* would want. I have since created a living will and designated the person who will make decisions for me based upon it.
>>>>If I were in severe unbearable pain, I still think I would rather kill myself than have to endure the unbearable yet temporary pain.
For me personally the words unbearable and temporary would never go together. If I'm guaranteed that it's temporary (a recovery, or rehab phase) then I can endure alot. I think chronic pain is truly unbearable because there is a huge difference between existing and living.
I think there are many cases where I support the right to choose death. However, I'm not pro-suicide, or anti-psychiatry or anything like that. The main thing that I think of is how suicide may effect someone left behind. I have one relative who I would give my life for, and I always have them in mind when I get in a dangerous place. I don't know if it's so healthy, but when it comes to me suffering mentally I say, if I'd give my life for them, then I'll suffer through living it too. I'm extremely torn though about physical pain. It is something that can make even the most selfless person act egocentrically -- it can over-ride everything else....At least for me. Usually my conscience anchors me in the world of the living, but I don't think I'd endure physical torture for ANYONE. Maybe that sounds harsh. Maybe it's something you can only decide on once your living through it. I'm not sure. *sigh*
Deneb, this is a heavy subject. I'm with Phillipa for being curious about what got you thinking of this. Are you alright?
poster:ElaineM
thread:689804
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060922/msgs/689997.html