It seems to me the height of hubris — not self-esteem, but arrogance — to think you could stop someone who wanted to kill himself from doing so. It’s not easy — logistically or otherwise — to end your life. If you succeed in doing so, it’s probably evidence that you really wanted to die.
If you say, “But if this person only knew I cared about his existence, then he would have gone on living.” Doesn’t this assume that YOU are reason enough for him to live? That he needed no other reason to live other than the fact you cared about him? That seems like you’re overstating your importance just a little bit, doesn’t it?
One reader replied: “Because of this. Hope springs eternal.
The majority of people who survive suicide experience regret regarding their attempt, either instantly or after a period of reflection.”
I don’t know that we know for sure it’s the majority, but that could be true. However, the people who successfully complete a suicide may have a different perspective from those who botch it. They are probably, as a group, more determined to die. And we can’t speculate too much on their state of mind, because they’re gone.