Yellow3

I did! Glycolysis and Krebs, both. Had to learn how to draw out the goddamn structures from memory - and then it was only worth five points on the final test. Year later and I'm still bitter.

- Jen

sullster

Oh yeah, right Amos, depression is just "the wrong outlook on life". Yeah, right.

As for the inarticulate query at the start of this thread. I smell a fundy looking for a score here. Alright, I'll add my thoughts.

I do not think atheists are more prone to suicide than theists. My basic reason is that atheists are more realistic about death. Death is a biological fact and is accepted. If an atheist is incapacitated by illness, he is no more likely to want suicide than the theist. Actually, Kubler Ross, the death and dying study pioneer, found that religious people actually have a harder time dealing with death than non-religious. When the end comes close, the religious are no better off.

As for depression, other posters accurately point out that it hits everyone, atheist or theist. Depression is being shown to be related to neuro-transmitter imbalances in the brain. It is really a toss-up whether the atheist kills himself to go to darkness or the theists kills himself to go to heaven. Both cases are human tragedies and depression itself must be treated.

Anunnaki

Thats exactly how I feel about it panic attacks and all.
I sometimes get jealous of little kids and ignorant adults who blissfully believe they are going to a magic place when they die. Although I have my doubts that believers are feeling all that blissful when the time comes.

Eudaimonist

For what it's worth, I'm an atheist and I've never felt the urge to commit suicide. I see no necessary reason why atheists would be more prone to feelings of suicide than others.

Hedwig

Wow. Interestingly enough, the thought of life ending really doesn't bother me. I'm still on the younger end of life though (if you don't take into account the many many vices I've acquired that will most likely shorten my life by at least a good five to ten years.) I mean, from my standpoint, if lack of life means lack of existance...it's not like you'd notice it anyway.

sighhswolf

This is one I just cant let go without comment.
It doesnt matter how bad things may get, it doesnt matter what I have or dont have materially.
My state of mind is of MY OWN Choosing.....If I allow myself to wallow in self pity, ignore my responsibilities, and then see death as an alternative I assume the role of "Quitter" and "COWARD" and I am neither.
I have too many wonderful things in this life
that I cherish, My beautiful and loving wife and the home we have made together.
I made a committment to her to be here for her, as long as she wants me around, and I always keep my word.
For some of us there have been many days of deep
and dark depression in our lives, but the answer is not to run away scared, the answer is not throwing up your hands in capitulation and prostrate yourself at the feet of some unknowable divine being begging for help.
I realize that there are times that we have no control over our actions, primarily because of chemical imbalances in our brains, but they can be treated effectively, if YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.

I have been to the brink of non-existence.
I have touched the hand of death.
But I did not......and I will not, embrace his
offer of peace.
I will fight for every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every year that I can possibly have to enjoy this life and to love my
lover and my wife.

Wolf

Bree

Amen.

Uh...yeah. I guess. Amen.

Amos

Something is wrong with the soul.

Amos

No fundy here sullster and I agree (never studied it) that religious people would have a more difficult time dying than non religious people for the simple reason that they have sacrificed their entire life for a promise they really do not have much faith in when push comes to shove.

Evidence of this is that protestant males seldom go through menopauze but that is another story.

Melancholy is not the same as depression and I have never been depressed except when my son died. True, it is nothing to boast about and thank God (sic, lol) that "you" are not "your own" at a time like that. I know melancholy and know it well. So yes, I know depression.

Suicide is for cowards.

Amos

kwigibo

right on!!!

But seriously, being an atheist is the only thing that stopped me from committing suicide. if i was religious when i was suicidal, i wouldn't be here right now.