On my off days, I sometimes pick up a shift as a bartender.... tonight it was a neighborhood bar. It was slow, only a half dozen people there.

Bar tending does give one some insight into people's lives. A fellow came in tonight depressed. I was the only person he talked to. He is a single guy (divorced for a long time), about 50 years old. Has a job but the company is in limbo, not rich, and not overly attractive.

He said something to me tonight that got me wondering....

"John, I'm just grinding it out", he said. "I've got no passion for suicide, but I'm ready to die."

A dozen or so years ago, I faced death (cancer at 33), and at first I thought I understood: he didn't want to fight any more. But as we talked, I realized it wasn't that, he was worn out. Nothing he did mattered, and he wasn't going to get a girl (very shy and uncomfortable around women). He wouldn't kill himself because it would hurt his siblings, but he was tired of living.

I've consoled people who lost a job, a spouse, and even a family member... even their kids, but what do I say to a guy who has lost the will to live?




I know this isn't the forum for such topics, but maybe somebody here has faced the same thing. Any suggestions are appreciated.