Edwin S. Shneidman Boeken

Suicide permeates our culture, claiming lives across demographics and now ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. This rising tide of hopelessness raises urgent concerns about mental health among the youth. Often treated as a taboo subject, the complexities of suicide are frequently overlooked. Dr. Edwin Shneidman argues that psychology and psychiatry have failed to address the core issues because they've neglected the straightforward language and emotional pain of those contemplating suicide. In his groundbreaking work, Shneidman offers profound insights into the suicidal impulse and practical suggestions for prevention. He posits that the primary cause of suicide is psychological pain, or "psychache," emphasizing that understanding human emotions is essential for effective intervention. Through three poignant case studies—Ariel, Beatrice, and Castro—Shneidman illustrates the personal narratives behind suicidal thoughts, revealing that suicide often stems from a desire to find a solution to overwhelming distress. He provides explicit strategies for friends, family, and professionals to help those in crisis. Ultimately, this work not only sheds light on the suicidal mind but also enhances our understanding of human suffering and resilience.

Voices of Death is composed of personal documents -- letters, diaries, journals, confessions, reminiscences, interviews, and suicide notes -- written or recorded by people threatened by death. Searing, often beautiful, accounts of the human spirit in heroism and despair, each in its own way is a rutter for the passage we all must make. Interwoven with the personal documents are Dr. Shneidman's own humane and searching comments and suggestions. Voices of Death does not deny the reality of death but, with compassion and hope, points the way for each of us to help both ourselves and others face death with courage and with grace.