Family suicide pact - WTF?

[Christien]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/01/03/saguenay-deaths.html

Details are starting to come out about this, but in a nutshell, mother and father have suicide pact, kill their 3 kids, dad dies, mom in hospital, I guess unsuccessful at suicide. He was 46, a real estate agent, she was 36, worked at a mall, both had recently lost their jobs, family speculates that may have led to the suicide.

I'm 33, very happily married for 6 years, with two daughters, 2 and 6 weeks, both of whom I love to bits. So I'm a bit far removed from these people.

Barring mental issues or serious drugs, neither of which appeared to have played a role in this story, what could possibly motivate not just one but two presumably responsible, normal and rational adults to do this? I just can't possibly fathom any kind of stress, depression, whatever, that would make me want to kill myself or my family.

I can understand an otherwise rational person committing suicide under extreme pressure and duress, because they see no other way out. But taking your family with you? If I try to imagine myself in that situation (which admittedly is difficult because I can't imagine anything aside from the loss of my entire family that would make suicide even the tiniest of options) I know that there are a number of people who would take care of my family.

What gives? I just can't understand it.

[aigel]

Both parents were mentally ill. Not a real long shot especially if you add that people sometimes meet in support groups or mental institutions.

George

[Dutchie]

What i don,t get is why kill the children ?

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by Dutchie

What i don,t get is why kill the children ?

"But taking your family with you?"


Taken literally. Likely, their faith or beliefs had them continuing together in the after-life as a complete family.

[widgeon13]

Overwhelming sense of hopelessness with no other options, I can't understand it but obviously they could not cope with their situation.