Suicide: The Forever Decision...for Those Thinking About Suicide, and for Those Who Know, Love, or Counsel Them

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: .. I've got a good (well, depressing) 18 years of being severely depressed, with a few dysthymic (sp?) episodes thrown in for good measure. Being alive has often felt like pergatory-maybe worse... and... suicide... *is* an option, and it's one that I fight not quite on a daily basis, but very near. The thought of suicide is like my twin, if that makes sense. It's always there, a very comforting thought, but a thought that I'd REALLY like to go away - which is why I picked up this book. I've only read a few chapters and... I was *comforted* right away. It's so helpful to know that someone "out there" understand, and is trying to give you a life rope. I consider this book life jacket, and hope anyone in pain reads this.

Rating:
Summary: Not a great book... Look elsewhere
Review: A good number of suicides are financially related and people that are stuck in catch-22's. We have excessively rich people in our society that do jack all to help eliminate suicides that are financially related, yet they can line the pockets of politicians with millions. Yet everyone and their mother can spend a few bucks on lottery tickets that the lotto collects to give to the lucky winner(s). We live in a sick society, the only way anyone is going to solve suicide is to acknowledge there are many causes of it and that in some rare circumstances suicide is a rational and final option after all avenues have been exhausted.

But most suicides fall under:

1) Financial circumstances one cannot escape from that was not purposely brought upon oneself (i.e. debt due to loss of job rather then it being self caused by being a spendthrift)
2) Circumstances of ones own biology and neurology which effects how long one can keep a job, if able to function in one at all. Which causes #1, and the downward vicious cycle.
3) Parental abuse or negligence while growing up
4) Crises of expectations/a life of bad experiences, one after the other for an extended period of time that re-enforces the notion that nothing is going to get better.
5) Acute lonelyness, lack of love, self hatred, and body image (if one was born severely ugly/disfigured, etc)
6) One has ones quality of life significantly reduced in extremely significant ways (i.e. become disabled, disfigured, loss of limbs, etc).

Rating:
Summary: Patronizing Psycho-Babble
Review: I bought this book, hoping that it might offer me some intelligent and persuasive help, but was dismayed by its banal psycho-babble. It may be a helpful book for someone who is new to therapy or who is not struggling with agonizing circumstances, but not for the self-reflective or truly pained.

Rating:
Summary: A life saving Book Everyone should read
Review: I have just finished reading this book and felt compelled to buy it. It offers hope to the hopeless and encouragement to those who are at their wits end and trying to survive. I felt a very personal contact with the author and sensed that his genuine concern for those considering suicide was apparent. This book goes right to the point and addresses the issues in a clear sensible way. It helped me so much that I feel the need to have it in my personal library.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I work on a inpatient psychiatric unit and everyday we have patients who are on our unit with suicidal ideation. We use this book as mandatory reading for those patients. The feedback we receive has been great. We have yet to have anyone say they did not get anything out of it. Most of the patients have taken the book home with them. Staff have also read this book and we all feel that it is a great book that presents suicide in a very compassionate yet matter-of-fact manner. It has probably saved many lives. Thank you Paul!

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable
Review: This is one of the most compassionate books for those who are suffering in pain due to mental disorders. I have been battling severe depression and suicidal thoughts for some time. The gentleness and care from the author allowed me to open my heart enough to be able to read this book to the end. It was comforting and yet realistic at the same time. When we roam in the darkenss of suffering and pain, we tend to become blind and forget essential facts that may save our lives. I must admit that I have not been able to conquer my suicidal thoughts but "Suicide, the Forever Decision" helps me "fight" my illness. The book stays by my bedside.

Dr. Quinnett, reading your book makes one feel that they are sitting in an office and listening to your words with comfort. I believe that this is due to your understanding and care for this illness. In the near future, I will be volunteering and participating in a research project on antidepressants. I look forward for future writings from you not only for myself but for many others who are fighting the "beast". I thank you.