It IS Painful

Most everyone knows the theme song from "M*A*S*H” (or at least everyone I know).  The show was on the air for so long and lives on in eternal reruns, so I'm pretty sure if you heard the opening stains, you'd immediately recognize it and associate it with the show.

The song has a title and lyrics (which are sung in the movie; not in the tv series).  The official name of the song is "Suicide Is Painless."  While it is a beautiful melody, the lyrics are haunting.  The refrain is “Suicide is painless. It brings on many changes and I can take or leave it if I please. and the 5th verse says:  "The sword of time will pierce our skins. It doesn't hurt when it begins. But as it works its way on in, the pain grows stronger...watch it grin."

Life can be painful, there's no doubt about that.  There is not a human alive or who has ever lived who has not experienced the pains of life.  But suicide is NOT painless.
Suicide is extremely painful.  Not necessarily for the person who commits it, but most definitely for those who are left behind.  And no matter what anyone thinks there is ALWAYS someone left behind.  Every single person on this planet impacts someone else. Remember that before you say that unkind word.  As humans we cannot help but sometimes judge; however, we don't have to verbalize those judgments.  Or as the old saying goes:  if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all.  (Something many social media users need to remember.)   No one ever really knows how much their one "little" life can influence someone else's.  The suicide of one person who may have thought that he or she was alone and friendless can have countless repercussions on those left behind.   There is the pain of loss; the pain of anger; the pain of frustration; the pain of guilt; the pain of uncertainty...

Of course it's those types of pain (frustration, anger, etc.) that can push someone towards suicide.  In the waves of depression, it is difficult, if not impossible to remember how much a life can matter.  But every life does.   It's an important point to remember.  EVERY life matters.  Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.   The adage, sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me has never been true.  Words can be sharp as a knife or as comforting as a warm hug.

Suicide is NOT painless and no individual is truly alone.

(The above thoughts are my own and I am no expert.  Call 1-800-273-8255 if you or anyone you know is thinking about suicide.  Don't like to talk?  They do on line chatting as well.  PLEASE visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/)




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