Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-11-23
Mental Depression and Suicide.

In spite of some pessimistic utter
ances in favor, suicide still ranks with
us as an indictable oflense. This is but
natural, if we allow that self-destruc-
ton is incompatible either with mental
or moral health. We are all familiar
with the verdict so often heard at the
close of coroner's inquiry Commit
ted suicide while of unsound mind" "
Without doubt it describes with more
or less accuracy every case of the kind.
1t certainly applies to such a case as
that of young practitioner who lately
died from taking an overdose of NOR
phia. 1t does not, however, as rule,
exclude the operation of moral forces,
and there is abundant proof to show
that these are active at every stage in
the pitiful transaction. We would
claim for them predominating intlu-
ence.
The mind which connives at self-de-
struction is at variance with the most
elementary instinct of self-preserva-
ton, a sentiment which is fully
justified both by the proved pos
sibility of present existence and by
our ignorance as to future events.
1t is, therefore, unhealthy. 1t is in an
even greater degree immoral, since pos
sessing within itself sense of duty and
of relationship with others in their lives,
labors and attainments, it ignores all
for the sake of present gain of per-
sonal relief. No one can rid himself Of
this relationship without at the same
time casting on others the burden Of re-
sponsibility which he abandons.
We cannot, therefore, bring ourselves
to agree with some who go the length
of excusing suicide and even of advo-
eating the creation of facilities for its
accomplishment. OF more practical
Importance, as bearing upon the causes
and course of this essentially morbid
condition, is brief analysis of 100 cases
lately published in the pages of con-
temporary. From this article we gath
er, among other interesting details, that,
according to the evidence obtained,
men destroy themselves with much
greater readiness than women. The
proportion is about two to one. Middle
age is the period at which the tendency
is most marked, and the middle class
holds the same position in the social
scale.
Mental influence is more active than
any physical inducement, and pecun-
larry and related social difficulties
fill larger space than any other
group of motives. As regards the
question of treatment, it is to our
mind perfectly clear that the evil of
suicide is not to be disguised by resort
ing to lethal chamber or other per-
missive method. however plausible its
description, but by cherishing sim
pier, stronger and more impersonal
sense of human fellowship and mutual
duty. In the presence of innumerable
evidences of providential design we
would equally impress the necessity of
remembering that the divine order
still prevails, and still for each and all
men furthers, though sometimes OBJ
securely, their best interests.
Let us not forget physical considera-
tons. Mental depression is often the
outcome of mere bodily illness, espe-
cially of fatigue and indigestion. Some
Judgment in treating these, some con-
sideration upon the part of employers
of labor, may disperse thundercloud
of despair which otherwise would settle
in perpetual gloom. We have heard
enough, at all events, of the modern
pessimism with its latest miserable
canon of self-destruction. We would
substitute for it the plain, old-fashion-
ed but eminently wholesome and cour-
ageous precept, "Never say die."-
London Lancet.