by Alexander Natiku

Created on: July 24, 2008

Most of us have been taught by religion, society and family that this is the worst sin that one could possibly commit. In many ways it is a horrible act, but not necessarily a sin. It is horrible that one becomes so depressed, lost, and void of believing in their own existence that this becomes an actual option for them. We need to re-examine not that it is a sin, or against the law - as from English law, still on the legal books in the United States today, but that it becomes a reality for so many. What makes one look at this as an option, or possibly the only thing left for them? Despair has a lot to do with it. Take away the belief that there is a God, or some supernatural power and it becomes more acceptable that we will not be punished for it. Loss is another factor - we lose loved ones such as a spouse, child or very close relative or friend, or even our own sense of self. Other similar "conditions" are textbook starting with depression, alienation and isolation. But they all convey some sort of loss.

Man is a very social animal. Like other social groups he lives and thrives by being with others who give him support, meaning,and preserve his life. Without this societal umbilical cord very few human beings can exist. Most of us can not excel by being hermits or by living alone in the wilderness. We need people in all sorts of relationships. When one reaches the point of not even being able to get angry enough to care, then he has reached a critical stage in his existence. Why go on? What is the meaning of life? And as Descartes put it, if "I think, therefore I am" - well then the reverse is true and inviting because they don't even feel they are themselves.

As an optimist who values human life above all, it was very difficult to come to this conclusion. But, how do we know the pain and utter emptiness of what one person lives daily in this state of limbo, or possibly hell.

I lost someone close to suicide, a relative, whom I miss very much til this day. It took many years to come to some point of negotiation with what I felt and what I empathised with what they were going through. A vibrant, strong willed, unique, loving and caring individual fell victim to this choice. Perhaps sucicide is mental illness, or a sickness (depression, usually a pre-existing condition for most suicides is now considered mental illness) which leads one to the inevitable. But if they could be cured it would not be such a question of choice, it would be a scientific inevitability.

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