Looking for Dharma teachings about depression and suicide

[Sridharma]

I'm looking for teachings that cover depression and feelings of suicide. Also anything about suicide from a Buddha Dharma perspective.
Any Pali Canon Suttas, or from the Mahayana or from individual teachers that anyone might know about and point the way to.

Certainly the core of the Dharma is the 4 Noble Truths and dukkha. Depression could be seen as a facet of dukkha or when dukkha becomes severely overwhelming for a person it could be called depression. So basically the whole of the Dharma is about depression and ending suffering, etc.

But are there any teachings that especially focus on what we know today as depression: a person who is chronically stuck, and has been stuck for a long time, in a very dark negative sorrow and despair to the point of wishing the body dead because of thinking there is no other way to end the suffering.

(just to note: I'm not inquiring on my own behalf so no need for warnings and advice to seek help and such. And I know all the formalities and responsibilities regarding someone who is suicidal.)

 

[Friend of Bill W]

There are quite a few talks on the internet given by Buddhists about depression (google will find them), and also a top bunch of CDs, is The Mindful Way Through Depression.

The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness includes Guided Meditation Practices CD: Amazon.co.uk: Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, Jon Kabat-Zinn: Books

I don't suffer with depression, but Mrs Friend-of-Bill W does. It's not much fun. I also recommend anyone who lives with someone who has depression to listen to the CDs, since it gives a better understanding of the condition.

But really, if someone is chronically depressed, they ought to seek medical help ASP, and when they're feeling better, there will be many Buddhist type techniques they can use to help with their condition; things such as mindfulness and practising compassion for others (In Mrs Friend's Idiots Guide to Depression; on the very first page it says that helping others helps with depression).

I've also heard that an old 'Buddhist' cure for depression was to look up at the stars on a clear evening, but since I'm don't suffer with depression; I have no experience of this!

 

[SageTree]

In a Jack Kornfield book, as you may know he a prominent Buddhist Psychologist, he says to not assert the 'non-self' readily to a person who already feels like they have no reason to live or is way down low.

In other words, find solace, but keep it up beat.

:namaste I hope your friend is doing well and that you find the words that can help, or know a place to refer.

SageTree