I’m not sure we / I ever lack compassion. You’re right we all view the world through are own paradigm so to say that I or anyone else demonstrate a lack of understanding is simplistic. For me I have seen too many lives wasted unnecessarily to start considering that it would be necessary for someone to take their own. Everyone of us is as important and unimportant as the next person; someone out there cares others do not – that’s life. We all have to put up with crap (agreed crap does not necessarily = depression) but why the heck should someone exit stage left at their own hand just as it suits / seems to them. The anger, guilt, frustration that lives on long after is all to palpable.
You are important to someone.
Have I been down in my life? Sure – depressed; not so sure. I guess my only answer is that at times I have done things that on reflection where a response to things to big to cope with which left me a long time after wondering why I took this or that route and ultimately wondering why I am here. Sometimes I think change, going in a different direction on a path less trodden / ridden is a coping mechanism.
Ultimately it is difficult to stop someone taking their own life, but in the three cases I’ve been directly involved with I wish I had tried / had known / had not stood at the graveside looking into the grieve left behind.
Condemn suicide? Before anyone thinks its a good idea speak to their family, wife, friends, nieghbours, pick a friend on a internet forum and ask how they would feel if you where not around.