by Mario Carini

Created on: November 15, 2008

The question is not so much whether suicide is a personal right but whether you have the right to affect those around you by your thoughtless action. The pain suffered by those who love you, principally the mother that brought you into this world does not give you the right to take your own life no matter what your situation is.

Let's look at some areas that should make you think before you act on any impulse to end your life:

* Life is a growing process. An easy life does not promote personal growth. There will always be challenges and you can only grow spiritually, physically, mentally and socially if you face your challenges with courage and conviction. You grow by overcoming your mountains, not by hiding or escaping from them.

* Your relationships are important as you are connected in some way to the people around you. They depend on you for support and expect you to live up to your commitments whether it is within the family unit with brothers and sisters. mom and dad; your married life with your spouse and children or your working relationships with your boss and co-workers.

* Being young is a troubling time for children and teenagers. Emotions run high. The very act of growing up is an unstable period of life but is no excuse for ending life. More than any other time in life, this is the phase where learning occurs most. Relationships at this time are fragile, breakups between boy and girl occur frequently and must be accepted as a part of life. It is the time for developing character and your unique personality. Even adults experience social problems. The death of a loved one can lead to frustration, depression and hopelessness, but ultimately you must overcome sadness and carry on with life as it should be lived.

* Removing yourself means removing any possibilities of future success. Everyone has the potential to become an Einstein or another Mother Theresa. You do the world a disservice by removing yourself from it. You could be the next one to discover a cure for cancer. You could be the next President able to broker peace in troubled parts of the world and save the lives of hundreds of people. That wouldn't be possible if you've removed yourself from the world. Would the U.S. today have a colored president if Obama committed suicide years ago thinking that a black man could never make it to the White House?

If suicide were a personal right, then abortion would fall under the same category. Accidents occur every day that lead to premature death. The person who kills someone by driving drunk or uses a gun has no better right than one who takes his own life.

You occupy a certain space and if you're a normal individual there is no reason for ending your life unless distress comes from anti-depressant drugs that are known to cause violent behavior and lead to thoughts of suicide and death.

Suicide is not an option. You only demonstrate that you consider your life of no value which is heartbreaking to those who see your potential as a human being.

Learn more about this author, Mario Carini.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.