Hi Donte',
I think that this thread will be valuable in it's own right as well as complimentary to Demonblaster's thread "Suicide... Why not?".
Suicide or suicidal thoughts are hard enough to admit to and speak up for help with (and yes I've been there) but when there is the worry of offending family or expectations within your culture it becomes even harder.
I think this is a vital discussion to have and this is a safe place to begin to talk about it as we are all anonymous.
I'll share my experience if that's ok? My family is from and based in rural Australia... and we don't talk about suicide. Why? Small towns mean gossip. Chances are you know the GP. Or the GP knows your parents. Gossip is the enemy of getting help in rural Australia in my mind because of the fear that everyone will find out your private business. And also the fear that people may judge you and your family.
This attitude prevented me from seeking help for a long time. Because I grew up thinking asking for help was being lazy. I wasn't trying hard enough or keeping busy enough. Admitting I felt suicidal was being selfish because I had a responsibility to my family.
In hindsight I realise all these feelings aren't accurate. But this was the culture I was born into. It is very hard to challenge these ideas. But so worthwhile.
I would love to hear other's views about the attitude towards suicide in their culture.
Nat