In their book, Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One, the authors caution that "suicide survivors must understand what depression is and how it can be treated. It's important to recognize when the expectable, normal grief of mourning has turned into depression, so that you will know when professional help is needed."

And they further state that "Depression can often be a familial pattern, that is, it occurs much more commonly in some families than in others.

Not everyone in these families will become depressed, but people in these families have a higher than average probability of becoming depressed, especially when coping with difficult situations. Thus, blood relatives of a person who had been seriously depressed before committing suicide may also be predisposed to depression. Suffering a traumatic loss like the suicide of a family member can be a powerful trigger. Thus, all suicide survivors are at risk for depression. It is important for them and those who are involved with them to recognize the signs of depression and to know what treatment is available."

You may think that's just common sense but someone wanting to die is a strong indicator of a depressed state of mind.


Taken loosely from Ann Smolin, and John Guinan's most excellent book
Healing After The Suicide of A Loved One.