Message Boards

Topic : 07/31 The Bridge Controversy - Tragic Choice

Number of Replies: 320
New Messages This Week: 0
Last Reply On:
Created on : Friday, October 10, 2008, 02:51:02 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1
(Original Air Date: 10/15/08) During high-stress times we all seek relief. But some people are unable to find an outlet for their pain, and they resort to the drastic act of suicide. Dr. Phil hosts an honest and open discussion about this serious topic in the hopes of saving lives. His first guest is Eric Steel, director of the controversial film The Bridge. The documentary showcases people taking their lives by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA. Is this a snuff film or does it raise awareness and create dialogue about this devastating epidemic? Then, meet a couple whose friend's last moments were captured in the documentary. You'll be surprised to hear how they feel about seeing his death on film. Next, did you know that more than half of American college students have considered suicide at some point in their lives? Casey, 17, was bound for college and a bright future, but cut her dreams short when she, too, jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. Her parents share their struggles, including why they blame themselves for her death. And, Dr. Thomas Joiner, psychology professor and author of Why People Die By Suicide, talks about a personal loss that inspired him to devote his professional life to suicide prevention. Find out what he says are the three common traits exhibited by some considering suicide. Plus, learn the critical warning signs to watch for that could be the difference between life and death. And, if you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK. Join the discussion.

Find out what happened on the show.

As of January, 2009, this message board will become "Read Only" and will be closed to further posting. Please join the NEW Dr. Phil Community to continue your discussions, personalize your message board experience, start a blog and meet new friends.

User Mood
Angry

Message Emote
upset
October 13, 2008, 3:23 pm PDT

I Couldn't Agree More!!!!

Quote From: s1l22g65

How dare you say that a suicidal person is at a "pity party!"   Have YOU ever been suicidal? Having made a statement like just "pick herself up and have a wonderful life," I doubt it.  For your information, Clinical Depression and Bipolar Illness take away your ability to just get over it.  YOU don't know what this person's mental health situation or personal history is, so how can you be so flippant?  Walk a mile in her shoes before you spout your idiotic comments!  "Pity party" -- God that pisses me off!

 

 

BRAVO!!!  &  WELL PUT!!!

 

Unfortunately, there are still way to many  small minded, self-righteous, missguided, idiots in our society who "think" that folks with mental health challenges such as clinical or major depression are just lazy or have a character defect!!  My only hope is that those fools at least one time in there perfect lives, experience the hell people like me, go thru when caught up in the throes of a major depressive episode!!!   Only then will those morons finally "get" the message!!!

 

Message Emote
frustrated
October 13, 2008, 3:37 pm PDT

suicide barrier on GG Bridge

I have not seen the program as of yet, however I feel that a person who is going to go off a bridge will do so regardless of a suicide barrier.  The barrier on the GG Bridge will alter the appearance of it and prevent clear views from this beautiful bridge.  We have not had one up to now, and I don't think it would make any difference, therefore don't build it.
 

Message Emote
confused
October 13, 2008, 4:05 pm PDT

How can a suicide jump be "beautiful?"

Quote From: pmwoody

I have not seen the program as of yet, however I feel that a person who is going to go off a bridge will do so regardless of a suicide barrier.  The barrier on the GG Bridge will alter the appearance of it and prevent clear views from this beautiful bridge.  We have not had one up to now, and I don't think it would make any difference, therefore don't build it.

Frankly - I think people jumping to their deaths mars the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge far more than any barrier left in place in an attempt to save lives.

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
October 14, 2008, 4:49 am PDT

10/15 The Bridge Controversy - Tragic Choice

first of all it is no pity party for any  any person in that state i know i live it every day i dont feel sorry for myself i just dont want to be here and yes i do believe in god and i do pray to him but when u feel as i do for as long as i have maybe u would think different no one can understand  your thoughts or feelings until they live it a lifetime  as i have u dont know my only mistake is that i lived through my attempts
 
User Mood
Angry

Message Emote
worried
October 14, 2008, 8:26 pm PDT

Please reconsider your choice

Quote From: lucseaball

first of all it is no pity party for any  any person in that state i know i live it every day i dont feel sorry for myself i just dont want to be here and yes i do believe in god and i do pray to him but when u feel as i do for as long as i have maybe u would think different no one can understand  your thoughts or feelings until they live it a lifetime  as i have u dont know my only mistake is that i lived through my attempts

As a suicide survivor, my oldest child and only daughter died by suicide 24th Sept 2006. She left behind a 15 yr old son, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, her boyfriend, father and me, her mother. As well as thousands of people who knew her, loved her, and will never be the same. These people, from fans (she was a pro boxer) to friends knew one side of her and her family knew another. Depression is a horrible thing and is easy to cover up. People who take their life to stop the pain are being decieved by the depression.

 

Suicide doesn't stop the pain it just passes it down to the people that love you and care, whether they say it or not or even act like it at times, there are people who do. Please don't do it to them.

 

I live with the pain of losing my daughter every day. In the last 2 yrs there is rarely a day I don't have a memory of her short life, 31 yrs, come to mind. It haunts my days and my nights and I am in constant fear now that her son or siblings could do the same. Loss by suicide is inherited. Survivors, those left behind, are at a much higher risk to making the same choice as the person who completes it.

 

Please don't do this to those around you. While your pain would be over their's will continue and be even worse.

 

You are in my prayers and my thoughts, I hope you call someone or find someone who can help you get control of your depression.

 

I love you, God Loves you and wish only the best for you.

 

Jeannie

http://www.shelbywalker.com

 
User Mood
Stressed

Message Emote
blank
October 14, 2008, 9:56 pm PDT

i feel you!!

Quote From: granmaninn

Last year my daughter had a nervous breakdown and tried to commit suicide.  She was going through a very nasty divorce, lost her job due to having surgery, couldn't find another job didn't have insurance. Is a single mother, couldn't pay the bills and there wasn't anyone to help because she got child support, which isn't considered income except when you need medical care etc. It was the worst day of our lives and if it wasn't for the Lord giving me strength and assurance I would have also had a nervous breakdown. She was taken from her home in handcuffs because she said she just wanted to be left alone to die everyone would be better off without her. She didn't have any insurance, so she was not treated as she should have been at the hospital.  They did testing on her, they should have know the medication that she took does not show up in tests but it stays in the body and after so many hours can cause you to stop breathing.  They said she was cooperative, non combative, she couldn't even sign her name when she was admitted.When my grandson and I got to the hospital, no one spoke to us and told us anything they finally let us go back to where she was and she was like a drunk slurring her words and saying "Now let met tell you this and that like a drunk person does.  There was a man saying over and over I'm hungry somebody feed me. and finally my daughter said"Shut the hell up" and the man said ,"Ok" and he shut up for a while and everyone laughed except the woman who was in the next cubicle and she said to my daughter that wasn't funny why didn't you just finish yourself off. and my daugher said are you able to get up and come over her and the woman said yes and my daughter said come here and I'll beat the s--- out of you. the security gurad had to tell them both to stop.  But I didn't see a Dr but they put on the Drs notes that she was well groomed, she hadn't bathed or washed her hair or anything that day.  They wrote she was very cooperative and non combative.  They are supposed to keep suicide attempts for 32 hours for observation they released her into her own custody, after 3 hours.  Of couse my Grandson & I were there to take her home.  I was in shock from everything that had happened.  When we got outside she didn't want to get in the car and I told get in the car I'm taking you home I'm tired and I need to go home.  She got into the car. We took her home she got home stayed up for quite a while, which we found out was good because she could have gone to sleep and died.  We kept someone with her for 3 days and nights straight.  One morning she got up and was back to her normal self.  The hospital is now going to sue her for payment for the ER visit.  She was fortunate to have people who loved her and watched over her 24 hours a day what happens when people don't have insurance and are released and they have no one to take care of them, they probably lay down and die and they say that the person completed the suicide attempt.  Something needs to be done to protect people who have no insurance and are at their whits end and try to commit suicide to make sure they are given the care that an insured person would have.  I too had no one to help me through this time I truly believe I was in shock for a month or more and just talking about it all now, I'm shaking. My Grandson had adults problems when he's only a child. I thank God that when you have no person, you have a God who loves and cares about you and your family.
about 13 yrs ago my older sister did do it she was picked on cause she was over weight her boyfreinds cheated on her . Police think if your being bad jail is the answer its not a hosiptal is to see why they want to die, my mom and dad wasnt kind to her either they thuoght she was acting out for their attation which she was....... I almost did it to one time cause my husband was hurting me like i had no feelings... and i love him so much its hurts... Yeah, they need to get something out there for very low income people,, so they can go to doctors, and stuff,... my mom is right now cant see a doctor and shes a type 2 diabtic, she has chrone deiase, and needs meds shes been out for months dont eat right, i help her when we can , i got five kids to try to feed my sister lives with her and my brother daughter, my dad died three years ago she cant get his money until she get 62 yrs old.... she try to get a check on her they denie her she is 54 yrs old... i love her so,,, but tell your daughter she got two reason to live for her kids well and you her freinds,,, theres people who cares just have to look very hard for them
 
User Mood
Peaceful

Message Emote
sad
October 15, 2008, 7:00 am PDT

I identify

Quote From: coolchick332

wow...a sad topic but important to be talked about...never heard of The Bridge
I have been thinking of suicide for 8 years now....in 2001 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.....after chemo and remission I found myself sinking more and more....my life has become a train wreck...my two sons have gone deliquent.....my 13 year old daughter is the only thing that has kept me here...its not a pity party, its hopeless..feeling like you have no worth to anyone around you is not pity.......its sometimes a reality.......people fight for a womans right to choose........people say we have the right to choose what we do to our bodies......only to kill an unborn baby.. Why shouldnt a person be able to decide to go and be with passes loved  ones and be in peace...no one realizes how strong my feelings are to leave here....I am 42 , disabled from complications from the cancer.....nothing in my life is enjoyable.......I pretend for my daughter but I assure you my strength is running out....going to talk to a therapts Ive done.....talking to someone doesnt help, medication doesnt help....with some it probobly does....real life for alot of people is too much. and if you havent exerienced hopelessness and devestation then you cannot judge another....that attitude can cause someone to kill themselves....its just another case of rejection and being alone in your feelings and situation.........
 
User Mood
Depressed

Message Emote
angry
October 15, 2008, 7:15 am PDT

Missed by a mile on 10-15-08

This is coming from someone who is planning his death as we speak. Just throwing a phone number on the screen is your idea of helping someone? The main thing you did not cover was the fact that there is usually two or a very few things that suicidal people need to prevent their deed. One is to understand that there is an underlying or obvious depression already there and needs treatment. The other is either a one hundred foot black hole or a one hundred foot pilllow. This could refer to a job, love, etc or lack thereof. Those two are my black holes or pillows. It may be something else to someone else. I lost my job on May 16th and I have a health problem that has developed since. I already suffer from depression. So what is left? My unemployment will run out soon. My credit rating is over 800. I have isolated myself to start this process so that no one will notice.  What do I do? These so called experts never seem to have an "expert"

with them and that is someone who is sucidal.

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
October 15, 2008, 7:41 am PDT

10/15 The Bridge Controversy - Tragic Choice

Quote From: pmwoody

I have not seen the program as of yet, however I feel that a person who is going to go off a bridge will do so regardless of a suicide barrier.  The barrier on the GG Bridge will alter the appearance of it and prevent clear views from this beautiful bridge.  We have not had one up to now, and I don't think it would make any difference, therefore don't build it.
Suicide brings up a lot of emotions for me, because my father completed suicide on May 28, 2007. I have since read a lot of information about suicide. I am saddened by some of the comments here. People must educate themselves on the depths of depression and mental illness. You could possibly save someones life by doing so. My father completed suicide because he felt like he was a burden to his family and country. He was such an unselfish person his whole life. He always put everyone before himself including God. He is a very religious man that devoted time to God every day. What we thought was just normal depression over being disabled and in a wheelchair was actually more in depth than we will ever understand. I think that the Dr.Phill show will bring more awareness to suicide, and that is definitely needed. As far as the bridge goes, we can't stop people from suicide in that way, they will only find another way. How anyone could video tape another persons suicide is beyond my comprehension. To anyone thinking about suicide: PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE. Your choices could effect so many other lives.
 
User Mood
Mellow

Message Emote
blank
October 15, 2008, 7:48 am PDT

PLEASE DONT DO IT, IVE BEEN THROUGH IT AND ID LIKE TO TALK TO YOU

Quote From: rickw4821

This is coming from someone who is planning his death as we speak. Just throwing a phone number on the screen is your idea of helping someone? The main thing you did not cover was the fact that there is usually two or a very few things that suicidal people need to prevent their deed. One is to understand that there is an underlying or obvious depression already there and needs treatment. The other is either a one hundred foot black hole or a one hundred foot pilllow. This could refer to a job, love, etc or lack thereof. Those two are my black holes or pillows. It may be something else to someone else. I lost my job on May 16th and I have a health problem that has developed since. I already suffer from depression. So what is left? My unemployment will run out soon. My credit rating is over 800. I have isolated myself to start this process so that no one will notice.  What do I do? These so called experts never seem to have an "expert"

with them and that is someone who is sucidal.

 
First | Prev | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Next | Last