Is permanent institutionalization a good alternative to suicide?

Question

If not, what is?

Answer 1

I would have to say “yes” because life, by its very nature, is potential, and is unpredictable. Thus one can never really know that the institutionalization will be permanent, nor can you know that your reasons for contemplating suicide will be permanent. Despite the way things seem from inside of a deep depression, life can always take a turn for the better – joy, healing, and meaning can come from utterly unpredictable sources, especially if you make a conscious decision to venture out on a spiritual quest.

By the way, based on your earlier question (which I was too late to answer), I suspect that you might be a transsexual (whether you know yourself well enough to identify this in yourself at this time). If my guess is correct, then you might discover support in a variety of unexpected forms by investigating the transsexual community – hear their personal stories, etc., and reflect upon whether this has any meaning for you.

And another suggestion: If you think there may have been traumas in your life (even if they don’t really seem all that traumatic), you might want to investigate a relatively new (since the 1980s) form of therapy called EMDR (it stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming). I have recently learned some amazing things about this, and I know someone who has tried it with great success. It is well-known to work with people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (veterans of war, abuse, etc.) but more recently, the range of emotional disturbances for which it seems effective has increased. If I am right about your gender tensions, EMDR will not “cure” it (because transsexuality is not a problem to be cured, but rather it is simply who you are and you need to understand what this means for you), but EMDR may help alleviate a variety of the complicating factors that are making you depressed, anxious, or whatever.

Answer 2

People can and have commited suicide in mental institutions also. Not to mention that it would be a terrible place to be for a long period of time.

I'm not sure why you're feeling this way, but whatever the reason you need to start learning that you're life is worthy and that you have things to offer. No matter who you are, you have something to give to this life. I understand that it's not easy to come to this conclusion but it's possible.

There's some called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that has shown very good results in helping people who feel the need to self-harm or have patterns of suicidal behavior. They teach skills on managing and learning how to de-escalate these feelings and even though it was initially started for people with borderline personality, it's shown results for just about anyone.
You can find some more info at http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/dbt.html
and also at http://www.aapel.org/bdp/BLDBTresumeUS.html

Also look for a therapist who is knowledgable of whatever disorder you're suffering from. If you don't already have a therapist then call 1-800-843-7274
which is a toll free number and offers free referrals to help you find a therapist.

Finding a support group in your area is another positive and helpful thing to do. Once you begin to feel more stable in your life, try to work on ways to bring out the best in yourself because everyone has talents, abilities and things to offer. Sign up for a class, do some volunteer work, join a club or do anything that helps you to feel a little more positive about yourself and brings you out of yourself more.

Get a medical check up to make sure that you're physically well. Things like thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency and other unlying illnesses can contribute to feelings of depression.

You can break the cycle of these feelings, trust me. It takes some work and it takes courage which I'm sure you have otherwise you wouldn't still be here.
Be good to yourself and I wish you all the best.