Well, if we substitute “self-destructive” for suicidal, I don’t think that is necessarily true. A person can be highly competent and do a good job even if they think little or nothing of themselves. A person who is nothing may still want to be something.
I suppose it depends how far you’ve gone. If you’ve completely given up, even in your heart of hearts, it’s time to buy a gun or save your meds. Whatever.
But a suicidal man could be a very good investment if you can bring him back to, if not a sense of self-worth, at least not being dragged down by a sense of no worth. Like me.
I secretly think (or at least hope) that I have something to give to others, even if I publicly say I believe I’ve got nothing. It’s just a protective mechanism—saying the worst about myself before anyone else can say it. But anyone who regularly gives me a very tiny touch of appreciation (not too much, because that isn’t believable, and I could never live up to it) would probably find me to be a very good investment.
Suicide may be about alleviating the pain. But feeling like one is valuable, or being convinced by others that one is valuable (i.e., not just saying people appreciate you, but giving convincing reasons) can also alleviate the pain.