by Staff writer
In response to famous CNN presenter, Anthony Bourdain’s sudden death, American actor Val Kilmer had written an angry post on Facebook, calling Bourdain’s decision to take his own life “so selfish.”
“How many moments away were you from feeling the love that was universal,” Kilmer wrote.
“From every corner of the world you were loved. So selfish. You’ve given us cause to be so angry. A spiritual guide once told me suicide is the most selfish act a human can execute and I was confused but she explained there’s just no mental place further away from humanity and purpose than the hypnotized numbness that creates the false picture of despair, that forces the victim, unaware, to believe, life’s legacy is over.”
Comparing himself to late Bourdain, the 58-year-old actor, who endured a two-year battle with throat cancer, added:
“Would you have taken your life two years ago when like me you were unable to take in food and move it with your tongue over your taste buds because your tongue was too swollen?”
Kilmer concluded his post by saying, “You left too soon. And I’m going to prove it.”
Kilmer has faced strong backlash since his rant, with many calling it insensitive.
And it actually is so, even much more.
It’s so easy for someone who doesn’t suffer from a mental illness to say that suicide is selfish.
As people are different, so are their mental capabilities to handle pain. This is beyond what you can compare.
If your agony is beyond your ability to cope, it is understandable to want to make that choice.
I think the only people who say suicide is selfish are the ones who don’t know what true suffering is really like.
It’s actually incredibly selfish of others to expect the suicidally depressed person to live just for them.
Truth is, nobody really sets outs wanting to die. Suicide, usually, is the last resort after all roads seem to lead nowhere.
Instead of calling a suicidal person selfish, you might as well try to understand them, what they really feel and sincerely let them know that you care enough to want to help.
