What is the least painful way to die? Why do people commit suicide painfully? Why do doctors commit suicide in such painful and scary ways?

First, we should agree that it’s better to say that a person has died of suicide than to say that they have committed suicide. One step towards preventing suicides is to use less offensive and stigmatizing language when discussing the topic.

I’m Dr. Pamela Wible and I run a suicide helpline for doctors. I’ve spoken with thousands of doctors and medical students who are struggling with thoughts of self-harm. Many have wanted to end their lives.

Imagine being in a situation that seems impossible, where death is the only way out. Suicide is all too common and the suicide rate has been increasing dramatically in recent years, especially among doctors who see no other way out.

Why would someone jump from a building, take a bottle full of pills or put a gun to their head? Read more ›