He's thinking suicide. Help!

[luv4family]

Almost 10 months ago my 25 yr old cousin was a victim of a home invasion robbery at the house he just bought. he was zip tied and then shot in the back at close range with a 45. caliber pistol.We thank god everyday that he was able to fight and stay alive! he is now paralyzed from the waist down, but that he is strong enough to overcome. the problem is he is in severe unbareable pain in his legs every second of the day with very little relief (only seconds of relief). We thought it would slowly start to fade away but it has only increased. He is now extremely depressed and is losing all the little self esteem he had left. He has been talkin suicide recently. No one we've talked to seems to have any answers. just looking for some advice or solution for his pain. thank you.


This discussion is related to Severe leg pain.

[worried788]

I am soo grateful to have accidentally come across this post!

Thank you for referencing Viktor Frankl. I have found his video incredibly encouraging and it has really put my pain and despair in a new light. 'despair = suffering - meaning' --> very intelligent quote. I have decided to attribute meaning to my suffering, learn from my mistakes and eradicate despair from my life.

I understand that some peoples pain may not be self induced through reckless behaviour (as was mine - in antithesis to the perfect example above of an innocent bystander) - however i am sure that meaning can still be attributed to suffering and thus provide a platform for growth, development and the gift to appreciate life rather than let i pass you buy.

Interestingly enough i was just watching a movie, 'red dragon' and hannibal lecter made an interesting comment. Something to the effect of "be thankful for your scars because they allow you to remember ..............."  I wish I could remember the ending - I guess since this youtube excerpt i am drawing inspiration from almost anything.The point I am trying to convey is that when you really try and look at everything from an external standpoint there is much meaning for anyone in any situation - and some of the best meaning is found in despair.

A quote i love is "True character is measured as strength in the face of adversity" I think i prefer a newer amalgamation of "True character is strengthened in the face of adversity"

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

What a terrible tragedy!!! Obviously your cousin needs some good psychiatric care alongside of the best medical care he can get.  There must be some way to reduce the pain, and there are pain specialists, and of course, the neurosurgeon who must be taking care of your cousin.

[uniqueflower]

God, I'm so sorry to hear that. I am suffering just knee pain, and although no where as serious in condition as your cousin. I am 25 as well and have been seriously depressed. I just googled suicide and knee pain and it took me here. Pain wont stay away from my knees since last year and it's horrible to think it wont ever go away.

I hope the best for your family. I really do. I dont wish chronic pain on anyone (or home invasion or paralysis).Has your cousin been taking and medications that show signs of relief?
God bless.

I hope this helps more than hurts.. please search for on google video or youtube for viktor frankl (spelled right) he has surived a jewish holocaust camp and there are a few interviews with him and his outlook on life.