Ending life prematurely

At some point, we all face the harsh blow of death. Sometimes it comes with the natural passage of time; other times, surprisingly, as a result of an unexpected event. However, "Taking one's own life" has a unique connotation, as it is a choice of someone close to end their own life. This decision leaves loved ones in a whirlwind of emotions that defy any logical understanding.
Taking one's own life, for some, is excessive, I also consider it a lack of motivations to justify the importance of their existence.

The next topic is truly tragic, and in my opinion, motivations utterly fail when someone decides to end their life, for whatever reason. We have sometimes heard or read... something about "a dignified death"... almost always a phrase used to refer to martyrs of their ideology. In my opinion, there is nothing dignified in dying, dignity exists in living.

Because of the importance of this topic, I have extended myself a little more than usual. If you prefer to listen to it while doing other tasks that you consider important, I developed an audio version, which you can listen to if you visit the link that appears in this publication.

Instead of calling it suicide, I will call it TAKING ONE'S OWN LIFE, so that every time you read it you know its meaning and connotation.

Taking one's own life not only immerses people in the conventional pain of loss, but also drags them into an abyss of guilt, bewilderment, and emotional disturbances. It's a devastating experience that poses specific challenges for those left behind.

While studying medicine in the eighties, I read a thesis on the high incidence of suicide in Cuba, and the most common methods used in the group of women and men. Women preferred "burning themselves," and the men who committed suicide chose "hanging."

Extreme depression and despair are triggers for making that fatal decision.

Every question deserves an answer and another question.

Who cares about lasting a hundred years? Someone who is ninety-nine, for example.

Who can live this miserable life? Some will ask. Others will answer, many, those who are in even more deplorable situations.

What I'm trying to say is, there will always be more than one reason not to commit an act of "Taking one's own life." However, those who do take on other reasons.

Being different and feeling different is natural and is normal in many individuals and in different cultures.

People should first develop their individual improvement and then offer their skills to others, in the community, in society. When the law requires that community individuals think of the community before thinking of themselves, it weakens the potential and responsibility that each can offer as an individual, and the ability to benefit the collective later on. In these centralized laws exercised as state policies, individual initiative is interpreted as if it were a sin. And at the other extreme, there are communities that practice liberalism and free will, under the trends of: oneself as the first option, as the second and third option. Hence the great importance of having the options to choose, to moderate, and to avoid extremes.

I prefer, whenever I can, to highlight life. However, it's not about what one prefers when others decide other options. I respect others' decisions, even if I remain true to my preferences. Therefore, I will mention some elements that precede and accompany these dire decisions to end life prematurely. And I repeat, these situations must first be identified by the protagonist or by close people when a person is not aware that the course of their actions is leading to committing an act of "Taking one's own life." Some even deny that their behavior shows clear danger signs and they are headed in that direction; the matter has escalated to a more dangerous, intense, harmful level and requires greater care.

Pay close attention:

Guilt: This is perhaps the most intense and challenging emotion. Unlike other deaths, where we rarely feel responsible, after a suicide, there is an almost instinctive tendency to think that we could have done something to prevent it. This feeling of guilt can become an almost insurmountable obstacle in the grieving process. In countries like Japan, I think that at some point, the shame that existed because of the perception of guilt made them commit harakiri, an act of extreme human sacrifice, to save the family's honor.

Stigma: Despite advances in awareness and understanding, society still stigmatizes "Taking one's own life." While most grieving people receive support and empathy, those who have lost someone to suicide may feel judged or even marginalized.

Anger: This deserves a greater explanation, and in a moment I will express one of the many concepts that exist about this feeling. But the important thing is to identify it timely when you project anger and don't recognize it, then the situation has escalated to a higher level and requires that your loved ones or someone in your environment report your situation so that you receive appropriate help as soon as possible. According to the following concept, anger is a natural emotion that arises in response to situations perceived as threats or injustices. It's a reaction aimed at defending our rights or establishing boundaries. However, the way each person handles and expresses this emotion can vary widely.

Characteristics and manifestations of anger:

Physical response: When a person feels anger, their body may react with an increase in heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension, among other symptoms. The above creates insecurity in the individual and adds more anxiety and desperation.

Emotional expression: It can manifest as frustration, resentment, anger, or even fury, depending on the intensity. Most say: we all have a bad moment, and because they believe it's common, some prefer to turn that page downplaying its importance.

Behavioral reactions: People may express their anger verbally, through shouting or harsh words, or physically, through aggressive or violent actions. There are also those who repress their anger, which can lead to passive-aggressive manifestations or long-term health problems. Many miss that great opportunity to attend to a sensitive being who needs help.

Cognitive response: Anger can influence the way a person thinks or perceives situations, leading them to interpret events more negatively or defensively. And it becomes a habit if not identified as red flags and signs that need to be addressed promptly.

It's important to note that anger itself is a warning sign that should not be underestimated. It can serve as an indicator that something is not right and needs to be addressed. However, the problem arises when it is not handled properly, which can lead to conflicts, impulsive decisions, or harm to oneself and others.

Therefore, learning to recognize, understand, and handle anger in a healthy way is essential for maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships and personal well-being. Therapies, relaxation techniques, and communication skills are useful tools for those looking to better manage this emotion.

Disconnection: "Taking one's own life" can distort and overshadow happy memories of a loved one. Because, unlike other forms of death, it seems they have made a decision that many cannot understand or accept.

For all these reasons, it's essential to stress the importance of maintaining adequate emotional balance and being attentive to the warning signs of a potential risk of suicide in loved ones or oneself. It is vital to prioritize mental health as much as we prioritize physical health, and to promote awareness and understanding about mental health issues in society.

Ending life prematurely is a complex issue, and it's essential to address it with sensitivity, empathy, and understanding. The more we know, the better equipped we are to help ourselves and those around us."

Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help or contact a crisis helpline in your area. Your well-being is important, and there are people who want and are trained to help.