Do humans, like many other animals, recluse or isolate themselves before they're about to die?

Question

I've heard that some animals will go away by themselves and hide before they die, because they know they're going to die. Is it the same for humans? Do we push others away and try to be alone more and more if we know we're going to die or commit suicide?

Answer 1

Sometimes, terminally ill people will want to isolate themselves from certain people or certain segments of their life, such as locking out their children or their old circle of friends from work or their grown siblings. Some people especially older men, will want to be surrounded by people up until the end, but will not let go and die until they have an absolutely private moment to do so. Most people, though, prefer to face the end with visits from all loved ones to say goodbye, and then a quiet group of the same two to four people who remain close-by until the end.

Suicide, on the other hand, is not a normal death but rather an act of violence. People who attempt or commit suicide are mentally unwell and are unable to maintain normal relationships with others. Their isolation at death is partly the cause of their mental disease and suffering.

Answer 2

It's hard to say for sure. It's certainly true that we tend to gather around for deaths, and most people say they want to die surrounded by friends and family. Dying alone is a common fear. But then again, just from personal experience, it does seem like maybe there is something to the isolating thing. My grandmother was sick for a long time, and the week we knew she would die, my mom and aunts did a round-the-clock vigil with her at the hospice. It was during the five minutes that everyone left the room for a smoke break that my grandma died. My mom's convinced that she waited for that. It's apocryphal and impossible to say what really happened, but I do wonder.

Answer 3

I know this probably isn't much of an answer, but have you seen the movie Donnie Darko?
I'd recommend you watch it, just because. I think you'd like it.

But to make a feeble attempt at an answer, I think we do. I guess it mostly depends on the person in question, but most people would. Just because you know it's the end, so why put yourself and others in more pain by sticking around and forming stronger bonds?

Answer 4

I've been around many people that have died and, I believe they want to have family around, close family but, they also want to be alone, have the dignity of death.

After I say my "good-byes" I want to have my spouse there, that would be all.

I did die on "the table" with a heart attack and, I asked for my wife, no one else when they brought me around.

Answer 5

That is counter productive to life, you want to seek out loved ones for comfort and love. To seclude yourself is destructive behavior when your depressed and in so much need of a friend. That is why we are social creatures, we need each other to help lift us up when we are down. Life is a beautiful thing, you need to join a church and get to know the true meaning of life, and understand the reason you are here.Peace be with you.

Answer 6

That is such a great question!
I have always thought that.
With natural deaths, it seems that way.
It seems like we distant ourselfs from our loved ones. Maybe in someway to prepare them for our passing.

Great

Stacie