Hacker News Reader

Comment by talmand | Hacker News Reader

See, I like how far off track this discussion has gotten from the author's complaint. Let's needle one little aspect of the guy's message, that he didn't even bring up, so we can decide he's wrong overall. Right?

There are many reasons for one to go the route of suicide, and in many cases no degree of counseling would help. But, for counseling to help it needs to address the root causes of the problem for that person, which may be unique to that person. Almost all of the programs the author is complaining about will not address that in any way. Especially the programs that don't even involve much stress to begin with.

As for suicide rates, I'm curious as to how far off the statistics you are referring to are from the national average. Personally, right now, I'm more concerned over the suicide rates of soldiers.

View on HN

I'm talking about mental health, with one of the most tragic outcomes being suicide.

> in many cases no degree of counseling would help

In many cases? Really?

> for counseling to help it needs to address the root causes of the problem for that person,

That just isn't true. There are cognitive, behavioral and a combination of both that help people all the time. Therapy that focuses on changing behavior patterns (ie CBT) and not on your root causes are often most effective. Many therapists also use therapy dogs because they're so effective, something this guy railed against like it was turning students into children.

> I'm more concerned over the suicide rates of soldiers.

How is that related?

In many cases, yes. Otherwise it implies that no one in counseling ever commits suicide. It happens. Ignoring that helps nothing. Notice that I said many, not all nor most, but you put extra focus on it as if I did.

It is true, but I'll admit it's not true for everyone. People's reasons for suicide can be quite complex and often times no one but the person knows or understands the reasoning. To change behaviors without addressing the root causes of the behavior provides the possibility of the behavior returning. It's much the same with alcoholism and drug addiction.

How is this discussion related to the original article that didn't bring this subject matter up? It's related because suicide rates came up in the discussion and I stated that I'm personally more worried over soldiers returning from war who receive next to no help versus students who agonize getting counseling over what classes they should take next semester. If a student is depressed and considering suicide because they feel they are failing themselves, their parents, or whatever to the point of considering suicide, then I want help available for them. But then, no one here has said anything about being against that, right?

Reply on news.ycombinator.com