Someone I know has a severe degenerative neurological disease. "Bob" says that he no longer wishes to remain alive and prays for death every night (he is a professed Christian). He has suffered many devastating losses--mobility, job, friends, cognitive function (memory, clear speech, confusion, etc.), sexual function, among other things. He is still a middle aged man and this disease probably will not kill him. He understands that he is depressed, but does not "believe" in therapy or counseling ("it's all bullsh*t"). Every day is a formidable struggle for Bob--just getting out of bed and into the bathroom takes enormous energy and concentration--he states that "this is not living--this is hell." Don't spout platitudes or try to tell him to "have a better attitude." He will rip your throat out! He believes that if anyone would spend 24 hours in his mind/body, they, too, would prefer death. What would you say to Bob?
2006-09-06
16:38:39
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10 answers
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asked by
hopefulmaiden
1
in
Philosophy