suicide is fairly unique to us as humans, isn't it?
but when approached from an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense. here you have some people whose ancestors had mutations that did not manifest themselves until after they had children. mental illness. and that's why some people kill themselves, honestly. they are menatally ill.
and then there are many who are not, too. they kill themselves for whatever reason. i tried once when i was a JW. i was obsessed with the thought of just getting to the paradise regardless of whether god would let me stay or not.
i don't think religion helps in this regard at all. a lot of people are depressed because they see a world that is supposed to be gaurded by a loving god, and all they see is suffering. this is a way more depressing situation to be in than simply thinking that this is all there is, this is how apes behave, and lets make the best of it.
not to say atheists don't kill themselves. kurt cobain and ernest hemingway were both atheists.
just thinking out loud here this morning... time for a coffee... man, i'm hung over!
TS