When suicide is used as a threat

[libodem]

1. Looks like you got up early

And poured your heart out to us. I can't let your effort go unacknowledged. That was a feat of emotional strength to share your life experiences so fearlessly.

My mom used to threaten quite regularly. My dad made a very serious attempt when I was around 10. My mom was finally going to divorce him and he drank poison. He was in the hospital a while and he lost the use of one kidney over it. It left an impression.

I tried when the kids were pretty little. Now, I can't imagine what I was thinking and what if I had succeeded? It seems so shortsighted and selfish.

OTOH, more to what you are discussing, using the threat as a manipulation, it's a dangerous racket. I've had to leave relationships with that hanging over my head as a threat. It is heart rendering. You sort of have to decide me or them? I had to decide to save myself.