Every day we are subjected to countless demands. Jobs, friendship, family, being a good partner, looking for ways to matter among the noise and buzz of social media and technology. In a fast-paced world with so many distractions and responsibilities, it’s no wonder our mental health is impacted and disorders like depression and anxiety are the price we pay for short term gratification.
No wonder suicide has become one of the biggest killers of young people and men. Suicide is one of the most loaded words in the English language and may bring to mind all kinds of discomforting images. But it’s real. It’s raw. It’s been a part of our culture for thousands of years and its meaning has changed with the times.
The Stoics had a lot to say about suicide and in this article, I’m exploring the Stoic response and reflecting on my own experiences with the thought process of taking one’s own life.