Edwin Shneidman

Edwin Shneidman was a pioneering psychologist known for developing the field of thanatology, which studies death and dying. He focused on understanding why people consider or commit suicide and emphasized compassion in this area of mental health. Shneidman introduced the concept of "psychological pain" (psychache) as a key factor in suicidal thoughts, highlighting the importance of addressing emotional suffering. His work helped reduce stigma and improved prevention strategies, making mental health support more effective for those struggling with intense emotional distress related to death or dying.