Discussion what happens when someone no longer finds a reason to live?

[L'absent]

This is a question that, in my opinion, should make us reflect: what happens when someone no longer finds a reason to live? If, as it seems, life has no universal meaning and everyone gives it whatever value they want, then why should we insist on keeping it alive? If someone no longer sees any meaning in anything, does it really make sense to keep pushing them to "fight" to stay alive? In our world, we seem to believe that life should always be protected, as if it had absolute value. But if that value no longer exists for a person, should we force them to stay alive at all costs? Wouldn't it be more respectful to honor their decision, without judgment? I know, talking about suicide is difficult and scary for pro-lifers, but if someone gets to the point of no longer wanting to live, perhaps we need to moralize less and ask ourselves what is really right for them and not for us.I know many pro-lifers will say that "life is always precious" and that we need to help people in crisis. But do all people really want help when they're at that point? Do all people feel this sacredness within themselves? And if someone thinks it's not worth moving forward, shouldn't we let them choose their own destiny? Society says we have to do everything we can to keep them alive, but aren't we doing more harm by persisting? It's hard, I know, but in my opinion it's a reflection we need to make: to what extent is respect for life really "respect" if we don't respect the choices of others? Ultimately, if someone no longer wants to be here, isn't it more respectful to let them go, rather than forcing them to live in a world they no longer want to see?

 

[F@#$]

I agree

 

[Forever Sleep]

Definitely agree. The problem though is- I expect the pro-lifers will bring out their 'Ace' or- maybe it should be the 'Joker' card of: 'Yes- but in order to be thinking that way- you must have mental illness. You must be depressed.' Not saying I necessarily agree with that myself.

But, from there, they'll go on to likely insist that our thinking has become skewed. We're not in our right minds but, don't worry- it's treatable. Given the right treatment and enough effort, we could go on to live joyful lives. I imagine they'll argue that- isn't that worth the effort for everyone? That the person themselves may end up being grateful they lingered.

Of course, throughout all of that, they'll maybe neglect to consider why the person might be depressed. Is it because of their circumstances? Can they adequately change their circumstances? Just stuffing them full of Prozac and sending them on their way may not be enough!

Plus- they may also ignore how many things that person has already tried to turn their life around. They may very well have already tried therapy, meds, lifestyle changes.

Obviously there's the more basic one that- ok- you might miss them if they suicide but- can a person regret their own 'premature' death? They'll be dead after all. That comes down to religious belief though, which is another problem: 'Don't suicide because, you might well end up in hell.'

I totally agree though. The most important thing is choice. I absolutely agree that a person's right to autonomy, to choose their own path should come above other people's beliefs and ideas about them- unless they are infringing another person's rights of course. You can't freely choose to murder someone else!

But- that's the problem. They'll likely say the presence of ideation in all but the most extreme cases- eg. chronic illness likely indicates the presence of mental illness. The presence of mental illness challenges the notion that they are fully mentally capable to be able to assess their situation rationally and therefore- their decisions won't be rational either. Again, not saying I agree with that but, I feel like that's going to be the biggest stumbling block to understanding and acceptance.

If they ever even start to consider all but the terminally/ chronically ill for assisted suicide, I reckon they're going to make mentally ill people leap through hoops of fire (extensive treatment over a prolonged period) to gain access to it. 'Healthy' people wanting it I'm sure will be suspected as being metally ill and encouraged to jump through all the above mentioned hoops of fire from the start. That's my feeling anyhow.

 

[Hollowman]

There's not much profit to be made off dead people.

 

[divinemistress36]

There's not much profit to be made off dead people.

I agree a lot of money is made off Mentally Ill people