Suicide is (Relatively) Painless

Wait, so your telling me that people with chronic pains are more likely to attempt suicide than others!?!? Why the hell would some one research that???

Einstien

Einstein: ..because they can't fund stem-cell research they have to find other things to work on.. lol

It is important because it is widely held that suicide is caused by mental illness, and studies like this cast doubt on that perception, and instead frame suicide as a rational act.

Hi,

You failed to take into account that the study seems to suggest that those people who suffer from chronic pain without seeming to have any mental illness are those who have suicidal thoughts in mind. But what chronic pain? Physical or emotional? I assume that the study refers to physical chronic pain... but chronic emotional pain which could lead to depression would also lead to it, I suppose.

If those who suffer from severe chronic pain develop suicidal thoughts then it is in the best interests of these people to have a cheerful outlook inspite of the physical pain they feel and that maybe better "anti-pain" pills could be developed and their physicians could monitor their patients for any such signs in order to dissuade them from such thoughts if they occur.

Never lose hope.

Hi There,

The relevance of this study, in my opinion, is in its helping people to understand more widely how chronic pain and suicide can be related. Bear in mind that the percentage of people suffering from chronic pain who also experience suicidal thoughts is pretty small-- 14%. Within that group, only 6% have actually attempted suicide. So, many people who suffer from chronic pain do not feel suicidal, and that's good. But, for those who have family members or friends, or for doctors helping patients through chronic illness and pain, this study can help to increase understanding about what suicide risk might exist within this group.

Chipper, you make a good point; emotional pain could very likely contribute to depression and thus suicidal tendencies. This study did not account for emotional pain-- it was focused on physical pain. But your point about painkillers is apt; treatment for patients with chronic pain might do more than make patients more physically comfortable; it might also help them to maintain a more positive or hopeful outlook, and-- in light of Joiner's point-- might decrease patients' tendency to normalize the experience of pain. I think this makes a good case for the development of pain treatments, even if they don't treat the root condition itself.

Thanks for your comments.

Best,

Taylor Hengen
Popsci.com

Well Hi every one
if it is very stress this pain whole your body. what is very risk your life that very suffer painful in whole the world. never their perfect your life of pain everywhere. There's nothing that make a sense to be ...

Thank u, in the mind.

This article is completely wrong-headed. Chronic pain sufferers have a simple pheromone deficiency, easily remedied. Just take some ordinary chewing gum, rub the gum on your father's face. Then chew the gum. 150 mg p.o. does the trick, curing all sorts of sociopathy including criminal behavior in delinquents, illegal drug-seeking behavior in addicts, and even perversions. It's the greatest cure in the history of medicine.

Having had a car accident a few years ago and finally starting to feel human again (good days, bad days) I can say a few things about chronic pain.

Pain that still permits you to be active and contribute is easier to cope with.

Pain that can flare up for very little provocation is extremely difficult to cope with.

No idea if/when/how-much recovery is very stressful and hard to cope with.

There were two incidents in flare-up pain where a hospital visit was required and in that state I'd have welcomed death if someone said they were going to mercy-kill me. There was only one episode of truly pondering suicide was after seeing a great deal of improvement suddenly erased by a difficult work-travel week.

Unfortunately a lot of people have zero idea what real chronic pain for months on end actually does to your mental state. I know I sure didn't prior to my experiences. I'd add that a study is just not going to capture the intricacies of the mental aspect of chronic pain nor do they adequately gauge actual pain levels (which are incredibly subjective).

Pain psychologists are a huge blessing - if you're out there and chronic pain is wearing you down, they're worth every penny. They can even help with the frustration of seeing the medical profession run out of options - broken bones the doctors can fix, amputation is something doctors do well too, burns they can fix - but soft-tissue issues about all they can do is help manage pain and complications.

I would have jumped on anything that got rid of the underlying issues rather than a huge stream of pills and in fact I opt to avoid them most days. Some days they are necessary though.

Thank you for the article, Taylor.

Jack_of_hearts, thank you for so eloquently sharing your personal experience with chronic pain. What you've shared may very well help those who are experiencing chronic pain to feel less isolated in their own struggles, and to access resources (like pain psychologists) that can provide help on an individual level.

Thank you again. I found your comment quite moving; I wish you the best in your recovery, and encourage you to continue writing about it.

Taylor

Strange that nobody mentioned praying to god for help.

Has nobody any faith these days???

If you have never suffered from chronic pain you cannot understand. I believe in God. I know the punishment for suicide. But when you are in a never ending cycle of unbearable pain all you can think about is suicide. Do I really want to go that route? Of course not! But still...

Don't commit suicide just
say out loud now Jesus I believe
and I receive you in my heart I know
a good site to get help it is www.leroyjenkins.com
it will help

Infois has never suffered from chronic pain. Thanks infois
for giving christianity a bad name.