Reddit reviews Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide

Hey, I am so sorry for your loss. A great book on the subject of suicide is Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide, by Kay Redfield Jamison. It helped me a lot when I lost someone close to me this way.

Wishing you peace.

60 just seems... not that old. (Speaking as a person who'll hit 40 in less than 3 years.) Suicide is complicated. Many people struggle with suicidal thoughts and compulsions. There's a great book called Night Falls Fast that investigates the subject thoroughly. But the idea that this person chose to commit suicide because "60" seemed old enough for a lifetime... it's a harsh thought.

Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide.

Oh no =( I'm so sorry for you. My friend killed himself 2+ years ago... and it still weighs on me. It seems like you blame yourself. That's normal. I assure you, it's not your fault he died. Sometimes there is a short time between when the person makes that terrible decision and does the deed. Or no note, no closure. If you are interested in reading a book on the subject, I recommend Night Falls Fast.

I think you have the potential to do positive things for other people in pain. Just talking about suicide helps people -- letting people know the subject is not taboo. I am sure you could volunteer as a hotline answerer or do other things to get involved, depending on what -- if anything -- you think is right for you. Suicide is killing a lot of people, and I'm sad your friend is gone. Keep your own mind healthy and reach out to people.

> As soon as I read the phrase "poster girl" I knew I wouldn't like this woman.

Redfield Jamieson back in 1999 or 2000 wrote a book called Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide possibly one of the classics to date on the subject, albeit coming from a preventionist perspective. I've read quite a few books on the subject but they've mostly been from a pro-choice perspective, hence I've managed to give this one a wide berth so far.

Try reading Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide.
It's well written and one of the best comprehensive studies on suicide you'll find.

Just make sure you're in a 'safe' state of mind before you read it.

not personal experience but might be helpful.

in her book, Night Falls Fast, Dr. Jamison writes that after the suicide of loved ones, relatives are more likely to get depressed and, in some cases, commit suicide.

she also writes that most suicides try to reduce the harm that will be caused. they fail at the last moment because at that point the act becomes impulsive and irrational.

consider her book. she's been there. she attempted twice, but her friend succeeded. they promised to call each other if their next attempt was going to be serious. he never did. that was the first chapter and it taught me to never do the same on /r/SW. the call will never come.

i am half way through the book. and it's helping me be a better member (i hope) of /r/SW.