Who are we to do such thing in the first place? If they want to go, let them go.

Why not give people a reason to hope and reinkindle their desire to live? Why not take the time to hear them out, see how you can help. Work to end the difficult situation not the life.

Yes, I completely understand all that. But when a person attempts suicide and fails (something which happened in my village a few years back), the person is immediately restrained from any further attempt, is given anti-depressants and the "you have so much to live for" rhetoric (which the person from their perpective see as a bunch of bullshit). From my point of view, this is a serious case of coercion. They want to end their life (often very desperately) and we do not allow them that, thereby increasing their suffering. We tell them "You have so much to live for", "Life is beautiful and you should appreciate it", "What about your loved ones? How will they feel?" And even though these statement are completely true, if they still wish to end their lives, we should respect their decision by allowing them to do so. And in the end, who are we to forbid or prevent anyone from doing such a thing? Their life, their choices.

I'm not sure its entirely their choice if they're doing it out of emotional stress. I agree their feelings should not be dismissed. And anyone who tries to stop them should then see what the real issue is that's causing the self destructive behavior and change the environment. Its usually deep depression that drives others to such actions and more is needed then sentimentality and pills.

Agree a twenty-three billion percent.

Also, to avoid any confusion, bu "preventing and discouraging", I specifically meant physical prevention and the "you have so much to live for" rhetoric (both of which only encourage and strengthen the suicidal tendencies). People who venture into the heart of the problem and actually accomplish something have my utmost respect (like nixieknox down there).

I have to agree on the rhetoric. In my depression or anxiety/panic, nothing is more irritating that that kind if speech, and the people saying this stuff say it because they have no freaking clue. IT is a terrible act to dismiss how a person is feeling. I have talked quite a few friends out of suicide, and one I never did as feed them that cliche bs. People need to feel heard and not just patronized.

I hear ya nixie. Its similar to seeing a homeless person down on their luck and all you say is "I'll pray for you" really doesn't help the situation. Sometimes just listening and asking "how can I help" can go a long way.

It truly can. I am thankful to have a friend in my life who knows how to yank me out of the hole when I fall in. Not everyone knows how to do that.

There are a lot of people on medication these days, and suicidal thoughts seem to be a common side effect. Maybe not everyone really wants to go.

now thats kind of fluffed up

I agree.