The "Cowardly" Lion

I have expressed this view in the past - I don't think that suicide is a cowardly act. 

I don't believe that the people who finally decide to take their own lives are doing it because they are selfish.  In fact, they have been so courageous in fighting against it for so long.  And in addition to that fight, they have also been doing their utmost to contain the effect that their depression can have on everyone else.  These battles and the stresses that come with it are all-consuming and there is little respite from it.  24 hours of fighting and constantly thinking about ways to minimise its impact.  Can you imagine the effort required?

And now, they are just weary - tired.  Do you blame them?  I don't. 

Walk a mile in these shoes (as the saying goes) and then tell me that it is cowardly, selfish or any of the other similar platitudes regularly used by people who don't understand and who don't empathise.  These platitude were really only designed to help those left behind to deal with the loss. 

But don't try to convince me that these same platitudes apply to someone living with depression.  They are really damaging to our psyche and can eat away at us.  When used against us, it hurts more than helps.  In my eyes, such platitudes only adds to the guilt and hopelessness that I am already trying my best to fight against.

Please think before you use these phrases on someone, because it can have the absolute opposite effect that you had intended.  Instead, focus on the strength that we have - our internal lions that are constantly roaring and ferociously fighting against this disease in our silent internal battle.  Pay grateful acknowledgement to that lion and respect it's decision to finally take its well deserved sleep.