Do "normal" people seriously contemplate suicide? - Mental Health Message Board

workerbee · 09-20-2003, 05:16 PM

Just wondering. Is the act of considering suicide enough to be considered mentally ill? Can you want to simply not exist anymore--no drama, no hysterics, just be done living--and be OK?

Or does just the thought suggest a serious disorder?

ash_elizabeth · 09-21-2003, 02:44 PM

You know I do think it's normal. I know I've thought of it just the way you said, and I've had many conversations with people in my life that, at one point contemplated as well. The only people that think it's a mental ilness (in my opinion) are the ones who have never thought about it.

wifelookingforanswers · 09-22-2003, 09:36 AM

An interesting question. I'm really not sure what the answer is. I do not suffer from depression, but at times, in the past, the world has seemed so overwhelming to me that I have thought about just driving into a tree. After all, it IS a solution to your individual problems--horrible consequences, but I think pretty much everyone has thought about it for at least a few seconds or so.(By the way, I DON'T advise it!!!) I think it depends on whether or not this is something you think about a lot. Is it a constant thought, or just an every-once-in-a-while thing? Maybe you're just a bit morbid! Lol...So, hope this viewpoint helps. If it IS constant, I would advise talking to someone that knows you well. And if it gets worse, maybe counseling would help. You don't have to be mentally ill to benefit from talking with someone that can help you figure out why you are the way you are. Good luck!

misanthrope · 09-22-2003, 09:43 AM

What if you think about it on a weekly basis but never actually have the intent of going through with it to ironically, prevent hurting other people (i.e. family)?

workerbee · 09-22-2003, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the input. I actually think about it quite a bit, on and off for years. I have 2 attempts (pills once, wrist once), but nothing for the last 7 years or so. But it's frequently on my mind.

I'm leery of bringing it up with my psychiatrist, because he's leaning towards a dx of bipolar disorder, something I'd rather not be labeled with. I'm afraid he'll try to protect me from myself, and do something silly like suggest hospitalization (can't do it--got a FT job, kids, a life).

I just wonder if people who aren't dx'ed with a mental illness ever think about it. They must. It can be a very comforting thought when times are rough.