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The promise

AtalantaSenior Contributor16 Mar 2017, 5:28 pm AEDT

The promise

Hi,

I saw a counsellor today. Having discussed all the reasons for me not to end my life...uh, they aren't any...she got me to promise not to suicide or to at least make an attempt to call for help. I had a friend who had to do this and I have also in the past...it's standard I think, and it's the silliest thing. Sure, my survival instinct won't stop me from suicide, knowing that people in my life will be hurt won't stop me, but you know, the promise to the local counsellor will. It just doesn't work and it's annoying cause not only do I feel guilty about ending it, I then have to feel bad about lying too.

Anyway, I gave the promise. I will try not to end myself.

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In response to: The promise

NikNikSenior Contributor16 Mar 2017, 8:52 pm AEDT

Re: The promise

That seems like a great balance @Atalanta
I did a few subjects online to try to get back into study. However, I really missed the face to face elements, especially tutorials. I found talking through concepts and new information at tuts as the main way to develop my understand. So online didn't really do it for me.

Hmmm cafe and gyms... I bet you get student prices on these things too!?

In response to: The promise

AtalantaSenior Contributor16 Mar 2017, 10:13 pm AEDT

Re: The promise

Actually, it's expensive. There's no competition. I buy the odd coffee and that is it.

In response to: The promise

Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor16 Mar 2017, 10:14 pm AEDT

Re: The promise

Hi @Atalanta,

I agree that the whole promise thing is unhelpful. In years gone by, I've signed many "no suicide contracts." My understanding is that there is now a lot of research showing they don't work and I think they've gone out of vogue. However, a lot of mental health professionals will still ask for a verbal promise. I always say I promise simply because there is a strong chance they will call emergency services if I don't. But really, a promise to a counsellor will not stop me suiciding if I choose that I want to do that. I mean seriously, what are they going to do if I suicide, sue me??? In all honesty, I think it is as much about them covering themselves legally, as it is about genuinely thinking it will make a difference to the decision a person might make.

In response to: Re: The promise

Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor16 Mar 2017, 10:17 pm AEDT

Re: The promise

@NikNik I did my entire degree by distance. Avoiding having to talk to other human beings was a definite perk for me!!! @Atalanta is right about the cost of cafes/gym etc on campus. They are now really expensive compared to years gone by. In a lot of unis these things have been outsourced and they are just as expensive as anywhere else.

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