In some cases it is selfish - like the man who recently killed his 2 children and himself because the authorities were closing in on him for the murder of his wife a few years ago. Other times people are so overwhelmed with their own mental pain, where they simply don't think logically or rationally.

I agree with dazeofdolphins. I lost my brother almost 4 yrs ago and its leaves behind a painful legacy. I was shocked and then I got angry...thinking why didn't he care enough about us to live? When a suicide happens, all the pain is forced on the loved ones and that's not fair. The ones left living have to deal with whats left and all the unknown questions that will never be answered. My only peace is ...to think my brother was in so much pain, he couldn't think of anyone or anything. I think suicidal thinking happens in a tunnel. True it may be your life, but it affects everyone who cared/loved the person.

How did I cope - it was a process and probably still going on. I decided to talk about it and not feel shame / secrecy. I also use what happened to help others. Even if someone feels totally alone in the world, that person never knows how they might affect someone elses life one day. I refuse to carry around the shameful 'ball and chain'. I believe we're meant to live until the end and not interrupt the journey. If someone is having ideations, I think it would help to hear from loved ones who have lost a family member to suicide.