WHAT IS CONSIDERED SUICIDE?

[DIA_MARIA]

Would the 911 victims who jumped to thier deaths from the building be considered suicide victims and therefore in grave sin or because they were compelled by fear would they just be victims of circumstance. I was in a discussion about suicide and my feeling was that this is not a clearly defined subject. A manic depressive who fails to take thier medication could take thier life due to a chemical imbalance. The same person would not consideration this option if seeking treatment and taking medication. How does the the church define suicide?

 

[Jim_Blackburn]

The *Catechism of the Catholic Church * defines suicide as, “The willful taking of one’s own life; a grievous sin against the fifth commandment. A human person is neither the author nor the supreme arbiter of his life, of which God is sovereign master.”

However, the catechism points out that, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.” (CCC 2282)