Episode 185 DeseRae L Stage

[WiltedRose]

Of the most recent podcasts, this one really resonated with me. Sometimes it just has to do with my current mental state or where I am listening to the podcast, or how focused I am.... and occasionally I just really appreciate a podcast and so much that has been discussed. Ironically, I listened to this podcast while I was at the gym yesterday. For the next couple of hours I was thinking about much that was said, and appreciating the work that DeseRae is doing to help destigmatize suicide/depression.
I say it is ironic, because only a few hours later I learned of Robin Williams. I felt chills. And all the the commentary in the media, as I had CNN on that evening, listening to Dr. Drew Pinsky talking about it. The stigma and need for compassion and awareness...
Just wanted to share that.
and RIP Robin Williams. I am so sorry for your suffering. What joy you brought this world while you were a part of it.

[ghughes1980]

Great episode and a really interesting project.

[Pathologic]

I loved this episode. And I agree, in the wake of Robin Williams' suicide I've been thinking a lot about some of the things DeseRae said during the episode. For instance, I've been more aware of people saying that Williams "committed" (i.e. 'perpetrated') suicide. I definitely agree with DeseRae that "died by suicide" is a much better wording, although I've even heard the opinion that we should instead be saying "died by depression," since suicide is only the specific method of dying but depression is the disease that causes the death. I like that, although it should be said that someone does not necessarily need to be depressed to die by suicide.

[ghughes1980]

someone does not necessarily need to be depressed to die by suicide.

I'm not sure I agree with that. Suicidality is a symptom, to act on the thoughts there must be the thought in the first place. Which is usually an abnormal thought to begin with. So without the underlying trigger I doubt very strongly that someone would just up and kill themselves.

[Pathologic]

Some other reasons that people might resort to suicide include chronic pain, terminal illness, to avoid criminal punishment, insurance/financial reasons, or even just as an inexplicable impulse. I don't think suicidality necessarily implies depression.

[ghughes1980]

Right, but those conditions cause depression and or unwanted thoughts minus the avoiding criminal punishment I've experienced all you've listed and they do lead to depression it's just how it goes. It may not be the same for everyone but I can tell you underlying factors+a chemical imbalance lead to action. Whether it be trying to fix the feelings by escaping, or getting help, or ending the pain. My point was thinking about suicide and acting on it needs a trigger. The action is not a normal one or the human species would not have reached the level it has.