[mmichaels1970]

Comedian or not, is it just me, or do others see suicide as a selfish act? I know depression can really bring a person down and terminal diseases can be agony, but killing yourself devastates the family left behind.

Absolutely selfish. But if he indeed had bipolar disorder, I don't believe he was in complete control of his decision.

When the brain triggers a manic depressive state in bipolar, the person can't recall any happiness, any love, any goodness in life. They believe that they've never been happy and never will be.

They remember every bad experience, and fail to recall any good ones. They can't save themselves by worrying about how their death will affect their loved ones because in their manic state, nobody loves them. Nobody ever has cared, or will care. They can't comprehend that their actions are messing up their future, because in their minds, they have already blown their future.

They can't turn to religion and the love of Christ or fear of hell to stop it. Because their brain is telling them that Christ himself doesn't love them. That they are destined and fully deserving of hell. I can't comprehend how awful it would be to have my brain telling me that. Must be like Satan himself inside your brain.

Then, as quickly as that, if you can be by their side during the episode, they come out of it. They become normal for a while, weeks, months perhaps. I believe the key is to be there when it happens. To call an ambulance, the police, or drive to the hospital when necessary.

With bipolar, their manic episodes can also swing to the other side of the spectrum. They are the life of the party. They are the funniest, or most artistic person you've ever met. You marvel that this person can really go places with their talent. Or, to the extreme, they look like Daffy Duck in one of the old cartoons, bouncing off the walls, laughing , yelling and getting out of hand with their "positivity". They decide on a project, or hobby that you just know they'll lose interest in soon enough.

So, in my opinion, bipolar just plain sucks. Suicide is wrong and NEVER the answer. But I will never pretend to know what a person in that state could have done to save themselves. I will not condemn a person for this decision, but will pity them and their loved ones and pray that they have found healing and peace.

[ArtDodger]

Powerful explanation. Thank you.

[El Cid]

Good Words.

I agree. Suicide is never right, but if your brain chemistry goes hay-wire, and neurons bouncing around where they shouldn't be going - there cannot be anything worse. You cannot run, hide, or escape the pain and utter despair. And if your brain is keeping you from running to Christ ... I cannot imagine the hopelessness. And with Satan whispering in your ear to end the pain - sure.
Suicide is never right, but like you say, I can only pray for the loved ones that are left behind, and hope in his/her final moments they were able to see through the haze and find the Rock and hold on to Him.

[HerrBlucher]

Excellent description of depression. It is insidious and overwhelming. It has been decades since I suffered from depression but I remember those awful feelings.

RIP Robin Williams.

[Bigg Red]

You are so very right about bipolars.

Side Note:
Perhaps you already know this. Winston Churchill was bipolar.

[Inyo-Mono]

Bttt.