The literature of suicidology has studiously ignored the voice of those who actually experience suicidal feelings. David Webb suggests this is no accidental oversight but a very deliberate and systematic exclusion of this critically important first-person knowledge. The only thing that is banished with even more vigour from suicidology is mention of the spiritual wisdom that set the author free of his persistent urge to die.
Webb rejects the dominant medical model that claims suicide is caused by some notional mental illness. Thinking About Suicide calls for the broad community conversation on suicide that is required to bring it out of the closet as a public health issue.
… lucid, clear, and compelling … Mr Webb rightly refers to, and competently critiques, our existing mental health ‘circus’ as it relates to suicide … clearly original and significant as a scholarly contribution to our knowledge of the topic.
David Jobes, Professor of Psychology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
I have never before read anything relating to suicide that speaks of suicidal feelings as being worthy of respect. The possibility that I may actually be able to honour these feelings is a totally new concept, one which has proven to be a catalyst for change and personal growth.
Josephine Williams, suicide-attempt survivor, Australia
In 2006 David Webb completed the world’s first PhD on suicide by someone who has attempted it. Prior to his PhD David worked in the computer industry as a software developer and university lecturer. He has been a board member of the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry and currently works part-time as a research/policy officer with the Australia Federation of Disability Organisations.
Pamela J Burry
Brian Thorne
Howard Kirschenbaum