“He who can destroy a thing has the real control of it” -Frank Herbert

I don’t think suicide should be considered selfish regardless of age or physical ailment. We are all built differently. It is entirely possible someone could have a life I think is great but they find it absolutely hellish.

While I think there should be buffers in place like mandatory counseling to prevent rash actions and treatable psychological issues, the idea that anyone contemplating suicide is just mentally ill or “doesn’t understand how it will affect others” is incredibly niave even if it seems to be the common sentiment.

Would you tell a person to stay in an unhealthy relationship because it might make their partner(s) sad? No. Is it selfish to leave a job that destroys your mental health because your coworkers might miss you? No.

People’s lives belong to them. Not their friends or family or the government. Them alone.