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Yes. Committing homicide is an irrational and maladaptive (i.e. stupid) thing to do in a peaceful 21st century society. Committing suicide is an irrational and

Yes. Committing homicide is an irrational and maladaptive (i.e. stupid) thing to do in a peaceful 21st century society. Committing suicide is an irrational and maladaptive thing to do in almost all situations in history.

petre 9y ago
Maybe one has a temporary problem (depression) that pushes them to commit suicide. That doesn't mean they're stupid. Robin Williams was definitely not stupid, yet he commited suicide. Terry Pratchett was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had contemplated the idea of assisted suicide in a country where this is legal (Switzerland).
- DonbunEf7 9y ago
  Robin Williams had Lewy body dementia [0], which almost certainly contributed to his choice. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_with_Lewy_bodies https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_with_Lewy_bodies
lurkeraccount9 9y ago
I'll take this as a teaching opportunity. There are vast amounts of research pointing to the link between mental illness and suicide. Suicidal ideation is a classic symptom of depression, and depression is a recognized scientifically by many factors including lowered serotonin and Dopamine. Not only that but there is evidence that suicide has genetic factors also documented and actively researched. I challenge anyone to provide proof that suicide is caused by stupidity. The parent comment is right in that suicide is irrational because sufferers of depression are not operating rationally, but from a sense of profound pain, and many sufferers do use maladaptive techniques such as drug an alcohol abuse to cope. Anyone who calls people who commit suicide "stupid" is wrong and incredibly ignorant/hostile to what many people with mental illness suffer from even though the research is extensive and an entire medical and scientific community are actively working together and in agreement. This kind of sentiment and hostility lead to people not seeking the help they absolutely need. If you are suffering from suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Mental illness is treatable and the medication and non-medical treatments alike are incredibly effective.

petre 9y ago

Maybe one has a temporary problem (depression) that pushes them to commit suicide. That doesn't mean they're stupid. Robin Williams was definitely not stupid, yet he commited suicide. Terry Pratchett was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had contemplated the idea of assisted suicide in a country where this is legal (Switzerland).

DonbunEf7 9y ago
Robin Williams had Lewy body dementia [0], which almost certainly contributed to his choice. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_with_Lewy_bodies https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_with_Lewy_bodies

lurkeraccount9 9y ago

I'll take this as a teaching opportunity. There are vast amounts of research pointing to the link between mental illness and suicide. Suicidal ideation is a classic symptom of depression, and depression is a recognized scientifically by many factors including lowered serotonin and Dopamine. Not only that but there is evidence that suicide has genetic factors also documented and actively researched. I challenge anyone to provide proof that suicide is caused by stupidity. The parent comment is right in that suicide is irrational because sufferers of depression are not operating rationally, but from a sense of profound pain, and many sufferers do use maladaptive techniques such as drug an alcohol abuse to cope. Anyone who calls people who commit suicide "stupid" is wrong and incredibly ignorant/hostile to what many people with mental illness suffer from even though the research is extensive and an entire medical and scientific community are actively working together and in agreement. This kind of sentiment and hostility lead to people not seeking the help they absolutely need. If you are suffering from suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Mental illness is treatable and the medication and non-medical treatments alike are incredibly effective.