The End To Pain

There are still subjects that are not broached in polite company. Most of us will die of natural causes. Some die due to an accident or violent crime. There are a select few that choose the date of their death. Suicide, though technically illegal, is an option chosen by some. It is chosen for reasons only known to the deceased. There are cases in which it is not a cowardly act but one of compassion toward the self.

It is not so hard to understand great pain. As we travel life's road we have our share of less than happy moments. Sometimes the pain lasts for hours and sometimes for an indeterminable amount of time. Many of us have, in our sorrow, entertained thoughts of suicide. What kept us from making such a fatal decision? I hope to offer suggestions as to why some felt that ending their life was their only option.

I am a fighter. No matter how bad things get I try to find reasons for hope. I look to all the things that make my life worthwhile. There are some who, I presume, see only the darkness. They see existence as futile. No matter what outsiders may offer as reasons for optimism they only see the precipice. Our mindsets only change when we have good reason to do so.

Strength is another factor in suicides. Pain, be it mental, emotional or physical, takes a certain level of inner fortitude to overcome. It seems contradictory. It takes strength to deal with our hurts. It takes hurtful experiences to develop strength. I would imagine that for suicide victims their well of strength ran dry just when they most needed to take a sip.

I sometimes need to spend time alone but eventually I emerge from my shell and talk to the person whom I love and trust. My wife is always there for me and I am there for her. We have shared a relationship for nearly seventeen years. We are each others support system. Not all who need it have someone caring to go to when life seems the most harsh. Without that caring voice to comfort and guide many choose the final option.

We all have times when we feel down or blue. Life is not something that we can predict to the extent we would like. Events occur that are beyond our control. If you feel like suicide is inevitable I hope that you will reconsider. Our perspective can be changed if we find the right person to offer solace, words of wisdom and comfort. Preventing suicide can be as easy as clicking this sentence. One phone call may be all you need to turn your life around.