Corrie Suicide - having control over your life

On seeing the significant amount of news coverage in relation to Hayley's suicide in last night's episode of Coronation Street, it is no surprise to me, as a local Samaritan, to learn that the organisation had a number of volunteers on red alert to take calls. It is of course an emotional topic, and one that volunteers are used to handling every time they are on duty, but would never, ever, become complacent about.
It is however, given Hayley's condition and the severity of her pancreatic cancer, not an unusual scenario.
With many of those in distress it is the feeling of not being in control that can sometimes be most frightening. By choosing to end their life there is a feeling of being able to influence the outcome, to determine when, where and how they might die. 
We also see the same situation with those who have eating disorders. It is to all intents and purposes, about having a say over your life when it seems unmanageable. 
What does happen is that the feelings are so intense there is often a lack of understanding of the distress it can cause to their loved ones. This is because they are not in a mental state to be able to rationalise their actions. Whether it is through illness, loss of a loved one, a breakdown in relationships, money or job worries, we all have our own breaking point. It is then that Samaritans come into their own, providing confidential emotional support, 24/7, without prejudice, to those in distress or despair.