Fear of losing status is a common cause of suicide. Many a
working father with a wife and children depending on them have
killed themselves, in the USA, in Japan, likely other places as
well.
They're basically offing themselves because they no longer feel
like a man and they'll be mocked by their friends. Suicide
appears more honorable than dishonor.
But considering the mess being left behind, is it the more
honorable choice?
If someone is independent, has no dependents, has nobody
depending on them for anything, nobody whose lives would be
devastated by their sudden passing, then by all means.
But I think it gets a little more complicated when there's
family, wife (or husband) and kids involved. Losing a job and
fearing asking for government support, because that would make
you a hypocrite because you always were critical of those
receiving government support... and if your friends found out,
they would call you a hypocrite.. and abandon you.. and rather
than being abandoned by friends, it would be better to leave the
planet altogether.
These are some of the more squirrely areas, I think.
