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Original poster

Is this a generational thing or is it just my friendship circle [Content warning: mentions of suicide]

137 replies

Andoutcomethewolves · 01/07/2025 18:46

YABU - it's just your friends
YANBU - this is normal for people of your age

Just been informed another friend of mine has committed suicide. That makes it four so far this year. Last year it was eight (suicides and ODs). One friend this year died of natural causes but he was only 30, he had a heart attack which I assume was caused in part by his long term heroin addiction. He'd actually got himself clean and I was so proud of him.

This isn't normal, is it? I'm just so desensitised I can't even shed a tear for my friend of over 20 years.

Does anyone else have a similar experience? I've lost at least two people every year since I was 17.

ETA - I'm 40 if that makes any odds

[Title edited by MNHQ to include content warning]

OP posts:
SatsumaCat · 01/07/2025 18:55

I'm in my 40s and only 1 acquaintance from a hobby has died from suicide, no overdoses (not sure I know anyone who has even tried heroin).

ThejoyofNC · 01/07/2025 18:55

Not normal at all, no.

You mentioned one friend had a heroin addiction, are most of the people in this group addicts? That could possibly explain it.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 01/07/2025 18:52

Holy fuck @Andoutcomethewolves 😢

Keepingongoing · 01/07/2025 18:52

I wouldn’t say that’s normal, no. I’m in my 60s and since my 20s lost one friend and 2 colleagues to suicide. Very sorry you’ve experienced the loss of so many people, and it is completely understandable if you feel very numb.

strawlight · 01/07/2025 18:52

Not normal, no. I’m a decade older than you and have only lost 3 friends in my life (car crash, cancer, alcoholism). I think I’ve been lucky and I’m sure that luck has to run out soon… but 8 in one year is awful.

alexalisten · 01/07/2025 18:51

Iv had a few friends end their life including my bf but it was more late teens early 20s. Absolutely horrific for the people left behind so much worse then other types of deaths

Londonrach1 · 01/07/2025 18:51

Sorry for your losses. Apart from a boy in my school and a friends dad they the only ones I vaguely know who tried suicide...the boy was successful, the dad would have been but fur a strange term of fate. It's not normal at all I'm afraid op.

PopThatBench · 01/07/2025 18:51

I’m early 30s and the only person I personally know who killed himself was my Step-Mum’s Step-Dad and he was elderly.
I see the Facebook posts and the news about it but I don’t know lots of people who have died by suicide.
I’m sorry for your loss OP x

Lamelie · 01/07/2025 18:49

I’m so sorry.
It’s unusual but yes- it can be ‘contagious’ that’s why the Samaritans have very strict guidelines about reporting. Coupled with you knowing people in active addiction those numbers are understandable.
Are you ok? Flowers

HappyMamma2023 · 01/07/2025 18:48

No this isn't normal OP and it's heartbreaking to read. Have you got anyone you can talk to? Take care

Figgygal · 01/07/2025 18:48

No I wouldnt say that's typical
I'm early 40s and not lost a single friend in that time

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 01/07/2025 18:47

I'm sorry for all your losses, OP.

I wouldn't say it was normal, no. I'm in my late 30s and I've never known anyone who has died by suicide or overdose.

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