Alternatives to suicide?

Let’s say God forbid you start thinking about suicide because you feel like there's absolutely no way out.

What is your ultimate life goal? What kind of existence are you actually chasing?
What’s that one totally wild, unhinged thing you’ve always wanted to do but never had the guts to pull off? If you’re brave enough to face death, you’re definitely brave enough to chase those crazy desires instead. So, what are they?

For me, my wildest dream would be to head deep into the wilderness near some massive river to secure my own food and water. I'd grab some basic survival gear, build myself a solid, comfortable little cabin, and just live out the rest of my days like a modern-day Tarzan. 🙂

I’ve always wrestled with this one. Why would anyone take their own life? Just think about it. If a person truly had nothing left to fear, what could they actually achieve? They could step into dangerous situations to help others, travel anywhere on a whim, and live without limits.

It’s pretty simple: someone looking to end their life just doesn't want to exist anymore. So, your theory doesn't really hold water here.

I don't really see the point of this thread.

When someone finally reaches that breaking point and decides to end things, they're usually too mentally exhausted to even consider what an "alternative" might look like.

Just let the kid be; you can tell they're good people.

I can’t quite get on board with the idea that what’s being said here is pointless.
After all, who knows how many people have hit rock bottom—standing right on the edge of suicide—only to find the strength to dive headfirst into something they’d normally never consider?
Honestly, I believe plenty of them actually found a sense of fulfillment in those wild choices they made.
To me, it seems a bit foolish to take your own life when you've already reached that "I don't give a damn" stage—if you're already there, you might as well go big and do something crazy instead.
Like, why not plot a massive heist, dive into a life of crime, disappear into the unknown, or even walk into Congress with a bomb...🙂.....

I’ve always thought it was pretty pathetic how people who commit suicide don't just drag someone awful along with them. o.O
Anyway, back to the topic—it’s not like I’m suicidal or anything, but yeah, the thought has crossed my mind during some of those rougher patches. Only thing is, right after the thought hits, I immediately realize it’s just a coward's move. Even if I screw everything up, my problems aren't going to vanish just because I stop breathing. They’d just shift onto my family and whatever friends I have left. It made me start thinking about a sort of "transferred suicide." Not actually killing myself, but more like killing off that specific part of my personality that causes all the grief, upgrading the system, and just trying to enjoy life as much as possible...

Look, I’m with you—there’s always a better path. Choosing to end it all... well, that's the end of the road. Ende! It's just dark.
I’ve been sitting here thinking about it too—like, why not just push it off for another day? Why not try to flip the script? Honestly, if things get that bad, go out and become a serial killer or just vent all that rage on the world—anything is better than checking out. But man, most of us can't truly wrap our heads around what someone is going through in those moments.
It’s simple, really: a person hits their absolute limit and they just... snap. They hit a wall where they can't move an inch further. Maybe deep down they know there's another way, but right then, in that exact second, they just don't have the strength to fight back. Suicide isn't really about wanting to die; it's more about being unable to carry the weight of that mental agony anymore—even if part of them knows, maybe subconsciously, that they could keep going.
But honestly? I think it's totally out of line to judge people like that. Only they know the hell they’re walking through, and who's to say how we’d handle ourselves if we were standing in their shoes?
There was this case recently—this guy tried to take his own life by poisoning himself. They rushed him to the hospital and, honestly, it was a miracle they even saved him. He was unconscious for a bit, maybe a day or two. They even had a guard stationed in his room just to watch him once he started coming around.
But the second he woke up? He lunged straight through the window. Dead. Just like that. It goes to show—his drive to leave this world was just incredibly, terrifyingly powerful.

Carl Lopez2 said:I’ve always wrestled with this one. Why would anyone take their own life? Just think about it. If a person truly had nothing left to fear, what could they actually achieve? They could step into dangerous situations to help others, travel anywhere on a whim, and live without limits.

To me, it’s just proof that a person committing suicide is actually terrified of living—scared to actually step up and face their problems head-on.🤷

That’s just not a reality. If you actually had the urge to live like Tarzan, you wouldn't be looking for an exit strategy in the first place.
What you're describing is basically the plot of Into The Wild.

edit: You should have just started a thread asking what people would do if they were stuck in a dead end—say, getting diagnosed with an inoperable tumor and told by doctors they've got maybe a year left at most.

Paul Thompson3 said:That’s just not a reality. If you actually had the urge to live like Tarzan, you wouldn't be looking for an exit strategy in the first place.
What you're describing is basically the plot of Into The Wild.

edit: You should have just started a thread asking what people would do if they were stuck in a dead end—say, getting diagnosed with an inoperable tumor and told by doctors they've got maybe a year left at most.

If I really only had a year left to live, I think I'd just blow through $100,000—no hesitation, no second thoughts—on absolutely anything my heart desired. I wouldn't save a single cent.

I’d basically be a walking, breathing mashup of Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain... though, let's be honest, I'd be doing it all without any of the actual talent—if you'll excuse me.😁

This isn't really about suicide, but it’s pretty damn close

I remember this one night hanging out with some buddies, ended up at a local dive bar, and after a few too many drinks, we decided to head out.

Just past the exit, there was this group of guys, maybe in their early 30s. As I was walking by, one of them calls out, "Hey, get over here!"
My crew just kept moving, leaving me standing there facing this guy who was clearly wasted. He starts rambling at me about his big celebrations, how he’s getting married soon, bachelor parties, all that junk. I just gave him a shrug and said, "Alright, so what now?" But as I turned to walk away, the guy grabbed my shoulder and spun me back around.
He flips open his jacket, and there it is—a handgun. He goes, "Why you acting so cocky? What if I just shot you right here?"
I don't know why, but I stayed weirdly calm. The only thought running through my head was, *Man, I hope he doesn't hit my gut; that would be the worst.* Instead of panicking, I just looked him dead in the eye and said, "Look, if you're actually gonna do it, just shoot me in the head so I don't have to suffer."
The guy just froze. He turned around and walked off. His buddy caught up to me a second later and explained the dude had just had way too much to drink and claimed he was some kind of cop or something.

The thing is, once I truly reached that point where I didn't give a damn what happened next, I actually felt... good. Like, strangely light. So, I wouldn't be surprised if people who decide to end things feel that exact same sense of peace.

It happens when they finally accept that everything is just irrelevant, and whatever comes, comes.🤷

mellownomad30 said:This isn't really about suicide, but it’s pretty damn close

I remember this one night hanging out with some buddies, ended up at a local dive bar, and after a few too many drinks, we decided to head out.

Just past the exit, there was this group of guys, maybe in their early 30s. As I was walking by, one of them calls out, "Hey, get over here!"
My crew just kept moving, leaving me standing there facing this guy who was clearly wasted. He starts rambling at me about his big celebrations, how he’s getting married soon, bachelor parties, all that junk. I just gave him a shrug and said, "Alright, so what now?" But as I turned to walk away, the guy grabbed my shoulder and spun me back around.
He flips open his jacket, and there it is—a handgun. He goes, "Why you acting so cocky? What if I just shot you right here?"
I don't know why, but I stayed weirdly calm. The only thought running through my head was, *Man, I hope he doesn't hit my gut; that would be the worst.* Instead of panicking, I just looked him dead in the eye and said, "Look, if you're actually gonna do it, just shoot me in the head so I don't have to suffer."
The guy just froze. He turned around and walked off. His buddy caught up to me a second later and explained the dude had just had way too much to drink and claimed he was some kind of cop or something.

The thing is, once I truly reached that point where I didn't give a damn what happened next, I actually felt... good. Like, strangely light. So, I wouldn't be surprised if people who decide to end things feel that exact same sense of peace.

It happens when they finally accept that everything is just irrelevant, and whatever comes, comes.🤷

People who decide to end their lives usually reach a point where they simply can't see any other way out of their suffering or their problems. It’s like hitting a dead end in a dark alley with no streetlights. And here’s the kicker: at the exact moment they make that decision, they might actually seem calmer. They might even appear more at peace. That’s what makes it such a massive shock to everyone around them—because to the outside world, it looks like they were finally starting to pull themselves together or having a "better" few days. It’s a heavy, jarring reality that catches people completely off guard. 😢

Truth be told, I was doing a bit better back then

It was ages ago, though. My whole perspective has shifted since then.

I could never bring myself to take my own life. To me, that just feels like throwing in the towel.

But if things ever pushed me back to that edge again... honestly, some kind of assisted suicide would probably be the easiest way out.

The weirdest part was the week after. I wasn't even thinking about my own mess; I was stuck on that guy.
🤷If I’d gone over and provoked him, if I'd acted like a total idiot, he would’ve ended two lives in one go. He’d have been carrying a weight far heavier than anything I’m dealing with right now. I just felt bad for him, you know?

mellownomad30 said:Truth be told, I was doing a bit better back then

It was ages ago, though. My whole perspective has shifted since then.

I could never bring myself to take my own life. To me, that just feels like throwing in the towel.

But if things ever pushed me back to that edge again... honestly, some kind of assisted suicide would probably be the easiest way out.

The weirdest part was the week after. I wasn't even thinking about my own mess; I was stuck on that guy.
🤷If I’d gone over and provoked him, if I'd acted like a total idiot, he would’ve ended two lives in one go. He’d have been carrying a weight far heavier than anything I’m dealing with right now. I just felt bad for him, you know?

Maybe try focusing a little more on how everyone else is doing instead of making everything about you. You’re a lot easier to be around that way.

man, I am seriously trying here

but everything sounds fine in my head, then there’s this total disconnect when I actually say it out loud
it feels totally normal to me, maybe even a little playful, but somehow it just comes out sounding morbid and weirdly off-putting

sorry, again... really didn't mean any harm by it

mellownomad30 said:This isn't really about suicide, but it’s pretty damn close

I remember this one night hanging out with some buddies, ended up at a local dive bar, and after a few too many drinks, we decided to head out.

Just past the exit, there was this group of guys, maybe in their early 30s. As I was walking by, one of them calls out, "Hey, get over here!"
My crew just kept moving, leaving me standing there facing this guy who was clearly wasted. He starts rambling at me about his big celebrations, how he’s getting married soon, bachelor parties, all that junk. I just gave him a shrug and said, "Alright, so what now?" But as I turned to walk away, the guy grabbed my shoulder and spun me back around.
He flips open his jacket, and there it is—a handgun. He goes, "Why you acting so cocky? What if I just shot you right here?"
I don't know why, but I stayed weirdly calm. The only thought running through my head was, *Man, I hope he doesn't hit my gut; that would be the worst.* Instead of panicking, I just looked him dead in the eye and said, "Look, if you're actually gonna do it, just shoot me in the head so I don't have to suffer."
The guy just froze. He turned around and walked off. His buddy caught up to me a second later and explained the dude had just had way too much to drink and claimed he was some kind of cop or something.

The thing is, once I truly reached that point where I didn't give a damn what happened next, I actually felt... good. Like, strangely light. So, I wouldn't be surprised if people who decide to end things feel that exact same sense of peace.

It happens when they finally accept that everything is just irrelevant, and whatever comes, comes.🤷

That’s basically breaking through a fear barrier. But does it actually make things easier on the "other side"? Or does all that darkness just feel closer than ever now?
Does anyone actually have control over anything? Without that illusion of control, it's just pure anarchy.
Just watch out so this whole "situation" doesn't totally wreck you... [like an appendicitis attack... surgery... a brutal recovery... and then dealing with the aftermath...]...
Life has a twisted sense of humor. One second you're dancing, and the next, it steps on your toes and starts spinning you around... until you realize how fake any sense of control really was; when the spinning makes you want to puke. And him? He's just like: "wiiiiiiii-wiiiiiiii...."; thinking you look hilarious... puking and finally realizing... for the first time... how much everything actually matters. Except, at that point, being conscious is useless, because to him, it's still just: "wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-wiiiiiiiii....".

It’s not like I’m being dishonest, because I didn't just stay planted on one side of the fence.

It feels more like having one foot in here and the other out there—makes it even harder to walk straight without stumbling.

Ronald James2 said:Let’s say God forbid you start thinking about suicide because you feel like there's absolutely no way out.

What is your ultimate life goal? What kind of existence are you actually chasing?
What’s that one totally wild, unhinged thing you’ve always wanted to do but never had the guts to pull off? If you’re brave enough to face death, you’re definitely brave enough to chase those crazy desires instead. So, what are they?

For me, my wildest dream would be to head deep into the wilderness near some massive river to secure my own food and water. I'd grab some basic survival gear, build myself a solid, comfortable little cabin, and just live out the rest of my days like a modern-day Tarzan. 🙂

Living in some vibrant coastal city filled with high-energy people—surrounded by spontaneous, happy folks I can actually work and hang out with... and ideally finding a soulmate, someone who's really on my wavelength emotionally and romantically. 😍
Angry, overly serious, or miserable people just aren't my scene, no matter where I end up... and if I have to be blunt about it, that's exactly how it is.

Suicide is ultimately an act defined by defeat, shame, and a total loss of agency. It’s what happens when we simply can't stomach the failures we've endured anymore; we feel too much embarrassment in front of the people we actually care about, and we lose the capacity to take responsibility—not just for where we stand right now, but for any kind of radical change, mostly because we just don't have the strength left to fight for it.
The reality is that for someone who has spent years drifting through mistakes, delusions, and bad luck—because let's be honest, nobody reaches that edge overnight—even a seemingly trivial event can be the final nudge over the precipice. And once you're there, you basically need a literal miracle to be pulled back.
Now, I'm not advocating for suicide, but at the end of the day, I believe everyone should have the right to decide whether their own existence holds meaning. It might be the only truly autonomous choice we ever get to make. As Albert Camus put it: The only truly serious philosophical problem is suicide.
I think it isn't until you hit middle age that you really grasp how profoundly lonely and powerless a person can feel, and how little anyone actually cares... truly, nobody. When you're at the top of your game, when you're successful and influential, everyone wants to be your friend... but if you think those same people will stick around when you're hitting rock bottom, when you're broken and weak, think again... they'll vanish like smoke in the wind.
But I suppose that's just human nature; everyone avoids negative energy, regardless of whether the person struggling is actually to blame for their situation or not... tough luck, buddy.
Let's not kid ourselves: most good deeds are driven by opportunism, self-interest, or a bit of ego. At our core, humans tend toward selfishness, egocentrism, and, if I'm being blunt... evil. Unfortunately, that's just how it goes.