A Suicide
My friend committed suicide. He was a brilliant programmer, and he had everything going for him. He was very successful.I'm crushed because I know I could have helped if only he had given me a chance. He never did.We in the programming world aren't always the most emotionally balanced. I know of three others who took their lives in the programming world. I've hinted at this before on my Bipolar Lisp Programmer post. To compound matters, our society has been moving away from personal interaction and responsibility for decades, leading to a culture that is toxic.
As if life weren't already too short, some of our friends end it even earlier because of despair with the negative elements of life. As the linked article points out, many suicides are by people who have a technical background. But, there are many suicides of people who have no interest in things technical.
A little after I graduated from high school, 42 years ago, I learned that a former girlfriend had committed suicide. I did not see it coming. She was fun-loving, attractive, smart, and I thought she had her head screwed on pretty good. Yet, she committed suicide.
And you know what? She is still dead. I know that seems like a calloused thing to say. But I am trying to drive a home a point that is suicide is permanent. One moment of foolish action translates into a permanent end.She should have children and grandchildren. She should be enjoying vacations in Europe and Jamaica. She should be alive, but all that she ever was is turning to dust, gone forever. Death is permanent.
Most of us get a little depressed at times. For those whose depression lingers on and on, please get help. Please talk with friends or family or professionals.
