# WHY is suicide an forbidden topic on SDMB? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 25, 2006, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957 "2006-07-25T14:44:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crowbar_of_Irony_3)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/61 "2006-07-26T08:43:24Z")
[QUOTE=Valteron] I guess my unpardonable sin was to be honest and personal, so I am just going to tell you all to shove it, and I will refrain from this topic on SDMB. But pardon me if I get a bit cyncical when I see the “fighting ignorance” logo :rolleyes: [/QUOTE] The “unpardonable sin”, from the way I see it, is that you were asking for medicial advice in a GQ thread, which is largely frowned upon. Nothing to do with your honesty or being personal. That why the thread is locked. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/62 "2006-07-26T14:41:19Z")
This will be my last post in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![davenportavenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/63 "2006-07-26T15:06:12Z")
[QUOTE=Cranky Hermit] **Valteron** , I’m curious-why are you so against going to a medical professional? You seem extremely defensive about this. [/QUOTE] I have posted about this MANY times before, but there are scads of people who are in very real danger of being disowned by their families if they would choose or need to go to a doctor of this type. There are also many of those people who wish to continue having a relationship with their relatives no matter what, and it’s not just for the inheritance money. Not everything is as simple as “go to the doctor.” ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/64 "2006-07-26T15:09:31Z")
[QUOTE=Valteron] I know I said I would shut my trap and say no more, but since several posters keep asking why I refuse to see a doctor or a professional, I will break my rule and answer you. Has it ever occurred to you patronizing, condescending assholes that maybe I HAVE consulted whole load of shrinks and psychologists, none of whom understand fuck-all about why I feel the way I do? What enrages me is your condescending refusal to admit that suicide can be the sane option of a sane person. That on a planet inhabited by six billion psychotic apes, one more or less is not going to change much. Secondly, the OP in which I committed the unpardonable sin of being honest and revealing my intentions was NOT an attempt to ask any of you to decide on the SDMB whether or not I should self-liberate. It was an attempt to see if anyone else had faced the same problems upon retirement and how they had coped with it. This time, unlike the aging movie stars who are continuously having farewells and returns, I will indeed shut my fucking yap because this thread is getting none of us anywhere and this discussion has turned into a pointless shouting match. [/QUOTE] Good grief. No one has refused to admit that suicide can be a sane option of a sane person. I myself have participated in threads where I have layed out the circumstances under which I would strongly consider or go ahead with suicide, as have many others here. What’s being said is that you aren’t coming across as a sane person, therefore any discussion of something of this magnitude with you is futile. Hence the suggestion that you seek professional help. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/65 "2006-07-26T15:16:01Z")
I think everyone is being way too harsh on **Valteron**. I feel sorry for the guy, and the last thing he needs is a vicious pile-on! [QUOTE=Valteron] What enrages me is your condescending refusal to admit that suicide can be the sane option of a sane person. That on a planet inhabited by six billion psychotic apes, one more or less is not going to change much. [/QUOTE] I agree… I think it’s entirely possible that the choice to end one’s life can be a completely sane decision, especially in the case of a painful terminal illness. But also in the case of an otherwise healthy person. Your life is your life, and you have the choice whether to live it or not. That does not automatically make you crazy, although in the majority of cases, there is serious depression there. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/66 "2006-07-26T15:19:12Z")
[QUOTE=davenportavenger] I have posted about this MANY times before, but there are scads of people who are in very real danger of being disowned by their families if they would choose or need to go to a doctor of this type. There are also many of those people who wish to continue having a relationship with their relatives no matter what, and it’s not just for the inheritance money. Not everything is as simple as “go to the doctor.” [/QUOTE] And, what about people without health insurance who can’t afford to see a doctor, much less afford medication or treatment? There are way too many uninsured people in the US, so why does everyone assume it’s just so easy and simple to just see a doctor? ---
**Author:** ![davenportavenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/67 "2006-07-26T15:26:31Z")
[QUOTE=nyctea scandiaca] And, what about people without health insurance who can’t afford to see a doctor, much less afford medication or treatment? There are way too many uninsured people in the US, so why does everyone assume it’s just so easy and simple to just see a doctor? [/QUOTE] Also very true. I know people who can’t even afford to get their broken bones set, let alone see a psychiatrist. Though from the details in his post I don’t think **Valteron** is one of those people. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/68 "2006-07-26T15:32:03Z")
[QUOTE=nyctea scandiaca] And, what about people without health insurance who can’t afford to see a doctor, much less afford medication or treatment? There are way too many uninsured people in the US, so why does everyone assume it’s just so easy and simple to just see a doctor? [/QUOTE] Maybe because they’ve read the thread thoroughly and know that the person they’re directing that recommendation to [lives in Canada](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7613704&postcount=13) where there is universal healthcare available? I dunno, just a guess. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/69 "2006-07-26T16:16:51Z")
[QUOTE=Shayna] Maybe because they’ve read the thread thoroughly and know that the person they’re directing that recommendation to [lives in Canada](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7613704&postcount=13) where there is universal healthcare available? I dunno, just a guess. [/QUOTE] I’m not speaking specifically to the OP, I am speaking generally, overall, in response to the “no medical advice” rule on this board. People are so quick to say “go to a doctor,” but many can’t afford that. Just something to keep in mind. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/70 "2006-07-26T16:25:38Z")
[QUOTE=nyctea scandiaca] I’m not speaking specifically to the OP, I am speaking generally, overall, in response to the “no medical advice” rule on this board. People are so quick to say “go to a doctor,” but many can’t afford that. Just something to keep in mind. [/QUOTE] Even if they can’t afford a doctor or clinic, going to **any** message board for medical advise is a symptom of terminal stupidity. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/71 "2006-07-26T17:44:08Z")
[QUOTE=D\_Odds] Even if they can’t afford a doctor or clinic, going to **any** message board for medical advise is a symptom of terminal stupidity. [/QUOTE] Only if they are coming in from a mainframe. From a PC or Mac, that would probably be a symptom of monitor stupidity. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/72 "2006-07-26T18:15:58Z")
[QUOTE=Valteron] All the retarded-ass shit he’s posted in this thread [/QUOTE] _Some_body’s got a case of the Mondays! ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/73 "2006-07-26T18:17:10Z")
[QUOTE=tomndebb] Only if they are coming in from a mainframe. From a PC or Mac, that would probably be a symptom of monitor stupidity. [/QUOTE] Can I break the rules and wish you struck down with lightning for a pun that bad? ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/74 "2006-07-26T19:14:52Z")
[QUOTE=Rube E. Tewesday] In the history of the Pit, has anyone ever said he was not going to post again, then not posted again? [/QUOTE] I’d just like to say that I won’t even be _starting_ to post here in this thread, let alone not post again. Er, wait a minute… ---
**Author:** ![Syntropy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/65b543/32.png) [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/75 "2006-07-26T19:33:19Z")
[QUOTE=nyctea scandiaca] I’m not speaking specifically to the OP, I am speaking generally, overall, in response to the “no medical advice” rule on this board. People are so quick to say “go to a doctor,” but many can’t afford that. Just something to keep in mind. [/QUOTE] So what? Soliciting medical advice from people who can’t see you, can’t get the whole history, and probably aren’t qualified to give medical advice is dangerous. What if they’re wrong? Then what? It’s almost as stupid as [starting a third thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=381380) on an internet message board whining about the sad fact that no one will help you off yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/76 "2006-07-26T19:36:18Z")
I feel really tempted to start a pit thread about him… ---
**Author:** ![rayh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@rayh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rayh)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/77 "2006-07-26T19:50:19Z")
[QUOTE=Bryan Ekers] I feel really tempted to start a pit thread about him… [/QUOTE] …or three. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/78 "2006-07-26T20:07:44Z")
[QUOTE=Rube E. Tewesday] In the history of the Pit, has anyone ever said he was not going to post again, then not posted again? [/QUOTE] This always strikes me as variant of “I’m never shopping here again!” (To which the usual retail worker’s thought is “Good. Please don’t!”) They always come back. Always. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/79 "2006-07-26T20:28:48Z")
I too am under the impression that **Valteron** needs to find someone appropriate to talk to about this as a personal issue. I do not think such a person would necessarily be a doctor, any more than such a person would necessarily be a sous chef, or a plumber. Doesn’t strike me as a medical issue at all. But that’s just my take on it. Certainly _some_ people (especially in Western society) would choose a doctor as the person to consult. Others would go to a rabbi, priest, minister, theologian, spiritual counselor. Yet others, perhaps, to a secular philosopher, although where one finds a philosopher rather than, say, a learned professor who has studied works of philosphy, is a bit of an exercise. Some find suicide hotlines, crisis centers, and social workers to be the ideal choices. For what it’s worth, there are drop-in centers run by as well as for people who have experienced suicidal ideation. No professionals involved (unless you count budgetary stipends). Most of them are in major metropolitan areas, but if you seek them out you’ll find them. Some would consult their bartender. Seriously (both me and the hypothetical person in the example). This board, however, is not the right venue. It’s a good one for hypothetical discussion of whether suicide ought to be legal, but for good and cogent reasons is not available as a crisis center or anything of that ilk. ---
**Author:** ![Long\_Time\_Lurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/2bfe46/32.png) [@Long\_Time\_Lurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Long_Time_Lurker)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2006, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957/80 "2006-07-26T20:29:38Z")
[QUOTE=Maureen] It’s almost as stupid as [starting a third thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=381380) on an internet message board whining about the sad fact that no one will help you off yourself. [/QUOTE] He had no choice in the matter. [First thread:](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7614898&postcount=40) [QUOTE=Valteron] Consider this my last posting on this subject.. [/QUOTE] [Second thread:](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7616925&postcount=6) [QUOTE=Valteron] So I will just end all participation in this thread as well and go post in one of the threads concerning freedom of speech :rolleyes: [/QUOTE] [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-suicide-an-forbidden-topic-on-sdmb/365957.md?page=5)