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From: rlz@astroatc.UUCP (Robert Ziegler)
Newsgroups: net.suicide
Subject: Re: Painless Suicide Methods: Are we discussing an illegal topic?
Message-ID: <312@astroatc.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 14-Mar-86 11:57:51 EST
Article-I.D.: astroatc.312
Posted: Fri Mar 14 11:57:51 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 17-Mar-86 03:55:17 EST
References: <1216@udenva.UUCP> <1326@vax135.UUCP>
Reply-To: rlz@astroatc.UUCP (Robert Ziegler)
Organization: Astronautics ATC, Madison, WI
Lines: 49


In article <1326@vax135.UUCP> miles@vax135.UUCP (Miles Murdocca) writes:
[...]
>Don't get bent out of shape about the discussion.  It's all been academic
>so far.
>
>I can't think of a method of suicide that is totally painless, including
>death while unconcsious because there will probably be stress involved
>until one goes under (no pun intended).  I would guess that the
>schizophrenics have it easy.  Half the mind could decide on suicide
>without the other half knowing anything about it.  My suggestion to
>the original poster is to go crazy first and then you'll have nothing
>to worry about.
>
>	Roses are red,
>	Viloets are blue;
>	I'm schizophrenic,
>	And I am too.
>
>    Miles Murdocca, 4G-538, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Crawfords Corner Rd,
>    Holmdel, NJ, 07733, (201) 949-2504, ...{ihnp4}!vax135!miles


As long as current discussions have been in flame mode,

	1.  You are describing a rare neurotic condition known as split
personality, not the relatively common, psychotic condition known as
schizophrenia, which is a cognitive disorder.  Approximately 1 in every
100 people in the U.S. are afflicted with schizophrenia.
	2.  If you were schizophrenic, you probably wouldn't be making fun of
it.  The prognosis for people with the affliction is poor, and if the
condition occurs before the age of 30, the prognosis is almost hopeless.
Having worked in a pilot project aimed at keeping young schizophrenics
out of the institutions and functioning independently in mainstream
society, I can say that my impression of people with the disease is one
of courage that isn't seen in "normal" people, and oftentimes one of
exemplary humanity, as well.  If there is a hell on earth, these people
are in it, through no fault of their own.  Their suicide rates are also
very high, although I can't remember any figures on it.
	3.  If you feel so secure in and superior due to your own mental
health, may I suggest that you do some volunteer work with these people.
Mental health is a precious state to be protected and nourished, becuase
it is so easily lost. The difference between "them" and "us" is a
matter of degree, and that's about it.  One can learn a lot about being
human from these people.  If you're lucky, you may even grow through
their pain, rather than having to experience it yourself.

Grrrrrr,
	Robert L. Ziegler