[Phil153]

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My justification for suicide prevention is that the vast majority of suicides, if given a clear mind or eternity to think about the choice, would not choose to kill themselves.
The desire for life is powerful but it can be clouded by negative emotions and mental illness.

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I don't think you're right to generalize like this, but even if you were right, I see no reason why you shouldn't allow them to do as they please. If they wanna listen to you, and you want to talk them out of it, fine, but imposing your righteous views on others is autoritarian and disgusting.

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Because most of the time it's not "them" doing it. If someone had syphilis enter their brain which gave them a raging desire to kill themselves, would you stand by as they did it? What about if the infection was 100% curable?

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I don't think anyone would have a problem from preventing a schizophrenic from cutting themselves repeatedly because they believe there are demons inside trying to get out,.

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I do. If they want to cut themselves it's their choice... What gives you the right to decide for them unless they gave you the specific command to take care of them when they can't?

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Again, it's not *them* doing it. Your concept of "them" is flawed. Illnesses in their brain are causing them to believe things which aren't true, and to see things which aren't there. It's the equivalent of kidnapping a normal person and convincing them that their children will die unless they commit suicide. Many parents would. Would you stand by and let a sane person kill themselves because they believe something that isn't true?

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and in the same sense, people who no longer wish to live are usually confused and detached from the world. The finality of suicide gives the right to intervene, in my opinion.

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The "finality"? So if I want to donate my house to charity and live in the streets, you will try to stop me too? I think you ought to revise your ethical positions. They're not consistent.

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Yes, the finality. Donating your house to charity and living in the streets doesn't involve destroying your consciousness for all of eternity.