Why do many instances of suicidal thoughts—in the mind—not route through fear, which often precedes risk when danger is close? There are too many situations that an individual would encounter that would immediately lead to fear, then flight, because of the risk of death. Why does suicide—and its thoughts—many times not go through this sequence
The problem of suicide—and its thoughts—is also a problem of relays in the mind. Death is supposed to be scary and avoided. What breaks, that makes suicide become a choice that bypasses that fear?
This is similar to questions in theoretical psychiatry, seeking out what breaks in the mind, that leads to detachment from reality in some mental illnesses? The question of any mental illness is the question of its anomaly in the human mind. If there is any aberration from what is supposed to be normal, then it is possible to seek out what happens in the mind that made that possible.
What is the human mind? What are its parts? What are the relays, distributions, or transports in the mind that indicate normal? What indicates an anomaly? While there are several other factors that may influence the mind like genes, neurons, the environment, the body, what exactly is the human mind? Or, what part of the brain specifically is dedicated to all functions of the mind?
The importance of these questions is to explore why suicidal thoughts operate the way they do, what they short-circuit, and how to be able to present a care model whenever thoughts of that form show up, for those who are vulnerable and who might suddenly be—when a situation presents.
The Human Mind
The closest option for what the human mind is among all the candidates in the brain are the electrical and chemical signals of neurons. Simply, all the functions of the mind always directly involve electrical and chemical signals. This means that while there are several other factors like neurons, other types of cells in the brain aside from neurons, genes, and so forth, the electrical and chemical signals of neurons are at the wheel of all mind functions.
Electrical and chemical signals, in sets or as loops, are available in clusters of neurons. Simply, neurons are always in clusters—in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is theorized that these clusters make the electrical and chemical signals work as a set or sets within each cluster. It is as a set that they organize information, conceptually. This means that a memory of anything is a configuration or formation of a set of signals. The same with an emotion, a feeling, or some modulation of some internal sense.
In summary, the human mind is theorized to be the collection of all the electrical and chemical signals, with their interactions [that define functions] and their features [that grade, qualify, or measure the limits or the extents of those functions], in clusters of neurons, across the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Electrical signals, in sets, have their roles. It includes striking at a set of chemical signals in interactions to make available the function that respective sets specify. Electrical signals also relay summaries from a prior set of chemical signals—distributing to another set of chemical signals.
Chemical signals, in sets, can be said to hold the configuration or formation for functions. Simply, chemical signals in sets become arranged in the way to differentiate one function from another. Chemical signals in sets do not make this arrangement, formation, or configuration readily available, they mostly do so when struck, in interactions by electrical signals, conceptually.
Electrical signals have features that grade functions, like early-split, with some going ahead of others—in a set—to define what is called prediction. They also have sequences to relay from one set of chemical signals to the next, with some new or old. They also have locations of origin of relays, within the set, as well as intensity or strike force at the set of chemical signals.
Chemical signals also have features that grade functions like volume variation from one side to another, a space of constant diameter in some sets that allow for intentionality, as well as possibility for volume maximization, which determines if that one set is prioritized or not.
Mind Destinations and Relays
Sets of chemical signals can be assumed to be destinations, while sets of electrical signals can be said to be transports or relays. Simply electrical signals are the buses, chemical signals are the stations.
There are several gene-derived pathways of electrical signals, establishing regularities that define what is normal. Humans in general have several similar interpretations of the external world, which can be said to be gene-derived and defined, for electrical and chemical signals.
Though there are differences, many similarities exist, making it possible to have similar experiences of internal and external sensory inputs. These similarities exist in destinations [sets of chemical signals] and relays [sets of electrical signals].
There are destinations [or chemical signal configurations] of pain, hurt, isolation, sadness, regret, disappointment, fear, consequences, and so forth. This makes it possible that some experiences may relay through those sometimes, determining reactive outcomes. There are things that people are often discouraged from doing, in society or in public places, because routes go through those.
Sometimes, distributions of electrical signals can be automatic or it could be by intent, taking off from a set of chemical signals, with that space of a constant diameter. However, there are several situations where considerations are made about what might result if an action is taken, preventing the decision to take those actions.
There are some that become automatic due to nurture in an environment, including examples of the experiences of others, which would lead to automatic actions to flee, because they are dangerous. This is where fear, consequences, and other sets of chemical signals play some roles.
There is also intentionality, supposed to be obtained in some sets of chemical signals with some constant spaces. In certain sets, there might be volume excesses that prevent these spaces from being isolated, such that instead of intentionally avoiding risk, there is powerlessness in the face of it.
Mental Disorders
There are distributions to some sets of chemical signals that do not occur, resulting in delusion. There are some parts of the set of chemical signals where [a set of] electrical signals do not interact that lead to a lack of access to those configuration completion. There are problems with splits of electrical signals and intensity, as well as some problems with volumes of chemical signals too. There is also a grader called the principal spot that presents a problem if it is occupied by some set of signals like heaviness, which may support depression, or some anxiety, and so on.
Simply, mental illnesses can be described in terms of anomalies with sets of chemical and electrical signals, either by interactions or by the graders. It is this anomaly that breaks from the general order that should allow an individual to have social and occupational functioning in society.
Suicidal Thoughts
There is nothing normal about suicidal thoughts. There is nothing normal about a suicide attempt. There is a problem with sets of electrical and chemical signals—like in a mental illness—that allows for suicidal thoughts to hold, as well as to have them prompted into an attempt.
There are several suicides where situations may have seemed to trigger it, but it can be theorized that a short-circuit was induced by the trigger, which then allowed the thoughts to fester then then action, without routing through fear, consequences or its permanence, or the short-circuit led to a volume maximization preventing intent against the action.
Suicidal thoughts first can be said to be a result of factors like the intensity of strikes of electrical signals on some sets of chemical signals. These sets may include those of escape, which is like an assumed possibility to escape the body. This escape [set of signals] is sometimes useful in some situations, but in the event of suicidal thoughts, it becomes—similar to—trying to leave the body or the source of the hurt that is experienced or that is ahead.
There is also the principal spot, which could be occupied by the irritation, frustration, and deep apprehension of facing a situation. This may then dominate other sets, becoming prioritized [often], sometimes with distribution to promptings. Prompting is a set of chemical signals, in a [thick] set with craving, appetite, and desire. But when prompting gets distribution from some sets of signals, it would not get to the fear of death, or consequences, or other sets for caution.
It is when some of these become extensive that the possibility to make an attempt against one’s life may occur.
Suicidal thoughts or the attempt of suicide in the human mind is its own mental disorder equal to or beyond other severe mental illnesses. It is in the human mind that similar breaks occur to make them welcomed.
It is possible to make an attempt at solving suicide and suicidal thoughts by conceptually exploring the electrical and chemical signals, with their features and interactions. This can then be used as a display [with large language models (LLMs)] to explain what is going on when those thoughts arrive, the risks of allowing them to persist, and to know that triggers can result in bypasses, in the mind, towards prompting and attempts.
To solve suicides and suicidal thoughts, it is possible to first list them as mental disorders to be able to prospect how they relay in the mind.
There is a recent feature on The NYTimes, Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen’s Suicide?, stating that, “The mother of a 14-year-old Florida boy says he became obsessed with a chatbot on Character.AI before his death.”
There is another recent feature on Harvard Gazette, How to fight depression? Faster, stating that, “More than 22 million U.S. adults suffer at least one major depressive episode every year. The experience is lonely, debilitating, and dangerous. As anxiety, insomnia, and other symptoms take hold, patients lose touch with family and friends. Feelings of isolation interrupt one of the greatest sources of happiness and well-being — relationships — and heighten their risk of suicide. The damage also creeps into broader society, including U.S. workplaces, imposing an economic burden of more than $330 billion annually.”
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13 Comments
So veterans who kill themselves are mentally ill not angry or in despair because we get dumped upon by a never ending biased backlogged VA claims system that leaves severely disabled veterans penniless for 10, 20 even 30 years after honorable service to the nation while their claims are ran through the literal wringer ? I’ve been there! Not due to mental illness but because of being treated like a lesser human and citizen by a system set up to deny legitimate disability claims!
I have a close friend in McAllen TX who was an Army Intelligence Officer who was in MACVSOG during Vietnam and has numerous brain tumors due to Agent Orange Exposure. He was granted 100% disability about 10 years ago, nearly 50 years after the friggin war! But he lost his multi generational family horse ranch to bankruptcy while waiting for the VA to grant his compensation. He’s definitely not a Loser nor Sucker he’s a damned Patriot! Not mentally ill either! But could have easily become desperate enough to kill himself not because of his mind but because of the VA!
When calling the VA the call starts with a suicide hotline option if the caller is suicidal in reality, that option should be provided after the call!
Exactly. The VA will never prevent veteran suicide but they could do a whole lot more to mitigate it starting with being discharged properly and respectfully not dishonorably as they have done to many a veteran who served 100% honorably in combat only to be dishonorably discharged because they report symptoms of PTSD or admit substance abuse as a result of PTSD. That’s been par for the military going back to the initial invasion of Afghanistan. Those honorably serving soldiers end up homeless and penniless because they are denied the benefits they earned on the battlefield. This results in elevated Veteran suicides that have risen sharply over the past 20+ years.
thanks a lot,
the argument in the article is that situations can trigger relays in the mind that bypasses the fear of death.
Normally, death should be feared and avoided. But with suicide it does not seem to be, at least routing through that fear.
This bypass is similar to how reality is bypassed in some mental disorders.
Conceptually in the human mind, there are components [electrical and chemical signals], their interactions and relays.
There are interactions and relays that point to normal or order and others that may point to disorder.
The postulation is that suicidal thoughts can be triggered by a situation, leading to abnormal relays like others. The situation may lead to aberration, which is similar to other aberrations.
Condolences to everyone who lost someone to suicide, and to you about your close friend.
The article is exploring possible paths in theoretical psychiatry towards how to look within the mind for how suicide is mechanized.
It does not minimize anyone’s situation.
sincere apologies if misunderstood.
“Normally, death should be feared and avoided. But with suicide it does not seem to be, at least routing through that fear“
Perhaps because death and fear of danger are two separate things that may or may not intersect right?
So conceivably one could fear death but not danger or vice versa. I think not having fear of danger is worse than not fearing death because not fearing danger can lead to an unnecessary death. Personally I do not fear death as I’ve already stated but am cautious and careful in dangerous situations. Not because I am necessarily afraid which sometimes I have been but because I realize those situations can lead to a senselessly painful and unnecessary death.
Many veterans especially those who have been in extremely chaotic situations or are severely wounded develop the sense that death is not to be feared as it is an inevitable fact for all. I have been clinically dead and no longer fear death whatsoever because what I experienced was basically peaceful compared to the pain I was in and there was nothing but darkness. My mind of course was still functioning but not my heart. That said, I don’t fear death but I certainly don’t want to off myself either.
I get the neurological aspects you describe but they obviously are not applicable to everyone who does not fear death does it?
Thanks for the detailed response. I’m just trying to understand how these conclusions were reached and whether the symptoms are the same for everyone in the study?
it is a theory of how the human mind works and why the thoughts of suicide, which may lead to attempts, are not normal.
Coming to terms with the likelihood of death in a terminal illness can be conceptually explained with splits of electrical signals, which describes the label of prediction, such that the fear [as a set of chemical signals] is already interacted with and relays have moved to acceptance [another set of chemical signals].
would try to explain better next time, your questions are welcomed, a lot of thanks
No I appreciate the response. And you answered my questions. It’s I who failed to fully comprehend not your writings.
But given the details, perhaps the change comes on suddenly and is overwhelming to the individual who ultimately does commit suicide? I’m sure environmental and medical issues can create predisposition for that sudden change. Then there’s generational trauma to consider as well I guess?
Few can understand the depth of depression until they have been here.
The suffering and agony is real and when it comes to its crescendo the only respite is death.
Imagine being in a place where all is lost, where there is no hope. There is only fear and self-loathing. Where all you could think about is how you failed, how you ruined everything in your life. Where you are alone with no one to share your pain and fears with. Where all you want to do is sleep and try to forget how worthless you are. Where you see absolutely no future. Only a past of guilt and a present of pain.
It’s like feedback. The worse it gets, the worst it gets. Your own thoughts torture you. You are no good. You are worthless. You are a failure. You are nothing. You are insignificant.
And these thoughts just keep rolling around in your head repeating themselves over and over until the noise is so loud you want to rip off your head and stuff it somewhere.
You can’t sleep. You can’t eat. You lost your zest for life. You don’t have any reason to go on. You have no reason to live. There ae no words to console you. No one can help.
No wonder the ultra-depressed kill themselves. Death is not something to fear. It is a relief.
It may be a relief to the individual but it can be devastating to family and friends or even co workers as in first responder suicides.
Only thing that kept me around was my immediate family and the thought of how my suicide would’ve impacted them directly and for the rest of their lives.
Some are not as fortunate as I am to have family. Most of my friends are combat veterans who have also contemplated suicide once or thrice.
Pets are great faithful companions for us all and in lieu of family they can be lifesavers. Many couples lose a mate and become suicidal thinking they have nothing left that they care about. Having a pet or family may reduce the likelihood of the kind of brain activity that leads to determined suicide.
Just my own personal observations having been right up to the edge of doing myself in and having lost many a friend to its sadness.
for a problem of the mind, death is neither a relief nor is it an answer, especially as the mechanism of the human mind continues to be explored and paths are sought for what is responsible for problematic disorders.
you can see this article here, on depression, towards mind explorations
https://sedona.biz/rehab-llms-what-to-map-conceptually-for-depression-and-addiction/
the goal is to seek out the mind, then map it, conceptually, to find ways to answer questions of disorders
Been there, no words can explain when you lose touch with the world and you dont care about anything, or anyone.
Many veterans don’t like to talk about their time in service and combat. I find talking about with people who listen (especially fellow veterans) to be therapeutic. When I am with my siblings and parents they don’t want to hear even the humorous stories and that is extremely off putting. Makes one feel like Al Pacino’s blind Army Colonel Character when he goes to visit his brother and his brothers family in Scent of a Woman and the entire family talks down to him.
I went in a decade after Vietnam. I served with many highly trained, highly respected and highly decorated Vietnam combat veterans. Had one Hispanic sergeant who was a tunnel rat in the 10th Cavalry Division. He had a service ribbon with a numeral 3 on it he wore at a uniform inspection. When the young service ribbonless 2nd LT Unit Commander inspecting us came through he asked the sergeant what the ribbon and numeral 3 were for. He replied, “well Sir each numeral represents 100 air insertion missions in Vietnam. The LT’s response, “get out of my formation you’re embarrassing me!” We all made a point to shake the sergeant’s hand in front of the clueless LT who was the true embarrassment not the sergeant or his ribbon. Such disrespect!