Suicide isn't about being poor, and aside from a few instances, it's not usually about chemical imbalance. It's about a loss of meaning coupled with pain. This is why people who suddenly lose their jobs but have money are more likely to kill themselves than people who have been dirt poor their entire lives.

The thing is that pain is part of life. We have to find ways to work through the pain or live with it and find new meaning. Religion is a substantial support for many, but meaning can be found in lots of ways. Ultimately, there's a reason we're still here and others aren't. We still need to do things. We still need to be here to help other people - family, friends, people we don't even know.

I firmly agree with those who say suicide is a coward's way out. It is. It's a viciously selfish, petty and cowardly thing to do, senselessly inflicting misery on the people we love just because we were too weak to work through the pain and find meaning.

I know that everyone can find purpose and meaning in their lives. Sometimes it's hard to see, but it is there.

And please get out more. Come to the city - I'm happy to have a drink or just shoot the shit.