Dear Ann Landers: Several months ago, a reader said he had a rotten, miserable life, he was a burden to family and friends, and the world would be a better place without him.
He had already started to save up pills and was just about to do the deed when he picked up an old copy of Reader’s Digest. His eyes fell on an article that changed his mind.
Lately, I have been having suicidal thoughts and think maybe that article might be helpful. Will you please print it? – Zydo
Dear Zydo: I’ve had more than 500 requests for that article, which originally appeared in June 1985. I am certain it saved lives. Here it is:
Before You Kill Yourself
by Renee T. Lucero
You’ve decided to do it. Life is impossible. Suicide is your way out.
Fine – but before you kill yourself, there are some things you should know:
Suicide is usually not successful. You think you know a way to guarantee it? Ask the 25-year-old who tried to electrocute himself. He lived. But both his arms are gone.
What about jumping? Ask John. He used to be intelligent, with an engaging sense of humor. That was before he leaped from a building. Now, he’s brain-damaged and will always need care.
What about pills? Ask the 12-year-old with extensive liver damage from an overdose. Have you ever seen anyone die of liver damage? You turn yellow. It’s a hard way to go.
What about a gun? Ask the 24-year-old who shot himself in the head. Now he drags one leg, has a useless arm and has no vision or hearing on one side. He lived through his “foolproof” suicide. You might, too.
Who will clean your blood off the carpet or scrape your brains from the ceiling? Commercial cleaning crews may refuse that job – but SOMEONE has to do it. Who will have to identify your bloated body after you’ve drowned? Your mother? Your wife? Your son?
Those who loved you will NEVER completely recover. They’ll feel regret and an unending pain.
Suicide is contagious. Look around at your family. Look closely at the 4-year-old playing with his cars on the rug. Kill yourself tonight, and he may do it 10 years from now.
You do have other choices. There are people who can help you through this crisis. Call a hotline. Call a friend. Call your minister or priest. Call a doctor or hospital. Call the police.
Write to Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, Ill. 60611-0562.
