Why/How individual’s who are ill or suffering can (seemingly) “choose” to live or die, but in generally good health we cannot “choose” to simply let go in the same way?

Question

It just seems in certain age or conditions there is a point in which a person can hang on or let go. Why is this not something we have within us at all times? How does the body register this. I understand how organs must be working and bodily systems, too, but how/why does the mind/body only accept this choice to pass on only when suffering?

Edit: I am not referring to physically harming one’s self to end their own life, but more the mental, psychological, & perhaps spiritual realization/decision that automatically influences the body to shut down on its own.

In: Biology

Answer 1

I just experienced this with a sick and dying loved one this week. In my opinion …..they don’t choose to die, they choose to stop fighting so hard not to die. her husband and three children had been with her all day, then he took the kids home to bed and her father came to be with her, while he was there holding her hand she slipped away. I think she fought all day to do her best for the kids, she didnt want them to see her die. then when Daddy was there she felt safe and relaxed and slipped away.