Before You Kill Yourself
By Renee T. Lucero (Reader's Digest -- June 1985)

You've decided to do it. Life is impossible. Suicide is your way out. Fine -- but before you kill yourself, there are things you should know. I am a psychiatric nurse, and I see the results of suicide -- when it works and, more often, when it doesn't. Consider, before you act, these facts: Suicide is usually not successful. You think you know ways to guarantee it?

Ask the 25-year-old who tried to electrocute himself. He lived. But both his arms are gone. What about jumping? Ask John. He used to be intelligent with an engaging sense of humour. That was before he leaped from a building. Now he's brain-damaged and will always need care. He staggers and has seizures. He lives in a fog. Worst of all, he knows he used to be normal. What about pills? Ask the 12-year-old with extensive liver damage from an overdose. Have you ever seen anyone die of liver damage? You turn yellow. It's a hard way to go. What about a gun? Ask the 24-year-old who shot himself in the head. Now he drags one leg, has a useless arm and has no vision or hearing on one side. He lived through his "foolproof" suicide. You might too.

Who will clean your blood off the carpet or scrape your brains from the ceiling? Commercial cleaning crews may refuse that job -- but someone has to do it. Who will have to cut you down from where you hanged yourself or identify your bloated body after you've drowned? Your mother? Your wife? Your son? The carefully worded "loving" suicide note is no help. Those who loved you will never completely recover. They'll feel regret and an unending pain. Suicide is contagious. Look around at your family. Look closely at that 4-year-old playing with his cars on the rug. Kill yourself tonight and he may do it 10 years from now.

You do have other choices. There are people who can help you through this crisis. Call a hotline. Call a friend. Call your minister or priest. Call a doctor or the hospital. Call the police. They will tell you that there's hope. Maybe you'll find it in the mail tomorrow. Or in a phone call this weekend. But what you're seeking could be just a minute, a day or a month away. You say you still don't want to be stopped? Still want to do it? Then I may see you in a psychiatric ward later. And we'll work with whatever you have left.

TO THOSE WHO EVER CONTEMPLATED SUICIDE 05/01/03 11:28 AM  
 By Zenith39, a valued member of Phoenix depression chat

I am reposting this again as I continually receive dozens of email from people on the edge. I believe that I fortunately have been successful in dissuading people from going that last step through intensive emails.  
 
My condition is improving daily. I am talking much much better. At one time I could not talk period. I am walking still aided, but with less aid. I am even starting to use a cane. I am exercising 60 minutes a day. I am proud to say I am riding a treadmill at 2.1 mph for 30 minutes. I am able to do so part of the time with one hand. I am progressing!!! I am more depressed about the suicide attempt and the ramifications than before and I was extremely depressed. I have found solace in my family. I am motivated and I will walk again as I have said before. Upon that time I will act as an ombudsman for people who were in my condition. I am not superman, but forgive my language sick of this wheelchair and coming out..very soon!!!  
 
MY STORY  
 
On Nov 28, 2002 I took what I thought was enough pills and alcohol to kill a horse. I was wrong I was rushed to the hospital intubated as i was not breathing. I was put into ICU and kept alive on a ventilator for 8 days. I suffered anoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain). The best the Doctors said that I could expect was Cerebral Palsy, but more likely death. I was hospitalized in a general hospital for 7 weeks. I am now in a wheelchair and can't walk as a result of that fateful night. I also shake and have tremors all day long. I can no longer work or drive. Someday I hope to walk again as I am undertaking extensive physical therapy.  
 
My advice is twofold 1. Suicide or a suicide attempt is not the answer. If I was depressed before November you can imagine how I am now. However, I am going to beat it. Not only become stronger mentally, but physically as well. Lastly if someone offers you pills or you have them, think twice as what you may be desiring can turn out to be more of a nightmare than you ever thought possible!!! Get to a hospital...avoid suicide or an attempt. This is simple for me to say, but I saw A Psychiatrist for 10 years and I felt hopeless. Don't do it...I am proof that there is no way it is worth your life or the ramifications if it is unsuccessful.

        Click here to make a personal suicide prevention plan

            "If you think that something small cannot make a difference- try going to sleep with a mosquito in the room."
 

                These numbers and contacts can help you get through this difficult moment.  You have nothing to lose, all it is is a phone call...

They are supportive, non-judgemental, and can help you greatly in this hour of need:

(If you are concerned for someone else's safety, please click here)

Click here to find a help line in your area and country of residence.

Samaritans

            Telephone number:  0857 90 90 90 (24hrs)

            email:  jo@samaritans.co.uk

http://www.afsp.org/index-1.htm
American Foundation for suicide prevention

National Hope Line network

 Telephone number: 1-800-suicide or 1-800-784-2433(toll free in the us)

NAMI

 Telephone number:  1-800-950-6264

National Suicide Hotline:

 Telephone number:  1-800-448-3000

 Depression Alliance: List of resources and phone numbers for times of crisis

 Teen Advice Online:  The Mission of Teen Advice Online (TAO) is to provide support for teenage problems through a network of peers from around the globe. Worldwide, yet operating as a close   knit   community via the wonders of technology, TAO recognizes the necessity of working together, assisting humanity in dealing with the challenges of life.