[alnorth]

its a ghoulish topic, but a lot of people have academically studied suicide. Specifically, the aftermath for survivors.

One might think that if you have "failed" at suicide, then the underlying condition (depression or painful illness) continues, and you'll just try again, and indeed, some people do. There are definitely a few people who make the decision to die, and are determined to do so (usually painful illness).

Most people don't. This may be a bit disturbing to think about, but often when someone tries to overdose and wakes up, or pulls the trigger and hears a click, or jumps off a bridge and lives, many times they don't redouble their effort. They go back home (after recovery if necessary), go to bed, and go to their job the next morning. Most of them go on with their lives and never try to kill themselves again. Most survivors who jump off the golden gate bridge regret jumping as soon as they are in the air.

For those who are depressed, the thought of suicide is fleeting. Those who give in to that temptation are stupid, selfish, and weak-willed.