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.

AFSP and Other Organizations Concerned about ‘Seven Pounds’
According to the Internet Movie Database, Will Smith’s new film, Seven Pounds, is the story of Tim Thomas (Smith), who accidentally kills seven people, including his wife, in an automobile accident. Guilt ridden, Tim “intends to kill himself to atone for his sins.” But first, he sets out to find seven deserving people worthy of his organs, to be donated after his suicide. The film ends with his suicide.
Based on the description of the film and from concerns expressed by AFSP staff and volunteers who have seen it, the Foundation warns that the plot and suicide images may be offensive and disturbing, especially to those touched personally by suicide loss, attempt survivors and others affected by this issue. Surely, the film’s plot is not in line with what we know about suicide and perpetuates the concept that suicide is a viable option when life has become difficult.
AFSP, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, a coalition of other suicide prevention organizations and the Entertainment Industry Council are working with the entertainment industry to create more sensitivity and awareness about this issue. Together, a document has been developed for the entertainment industry, titled Picture This: Depression and Suicide Prevention. You can view this document by clicking here.

Economy, Suicide and the Media
A number of recent stories in the media have highlighted tragic suicide deaths in the context of the current financial crisis. Although it is true that such stressors can precede a suicide, the issue of causation is much more complicated. In fact, more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying psychiatric disorder at the time of their death, most often depression. It is important to note that when people have recovered from their depression, the stressful events look different to them, and because they are thinking more clearly they can find better solutions to their problems.
Since the most recent statistics on suicide rates are from 2005, it is nearly impossible to determine the effect, if any, that the recent economic downturn has had on the nation’s suicide rate. And while historically, there have been reports about suicide rates increasing during past economic recessions, direct cause and effect has not been studied or determined (see a recent article by ABC News, “Economic Depression Suicides A Myth?”).
Therefore, it is important for the media to avoid sensationalizing recent news of suicides by linking them to the economy when the statistics are not available and facts are limited. Instead, the media could educate the public about suicide warning signs, symptoms of depression and provide the public with information on how and where to seek help if they or someone they know is in trouble.
In addition to providing inaccurate information, highlighting stories about suicide deaths can run the risk of contributing to suicide contagion, also known as copycatting. Certain ways the media reports about this issue, such as oversimplifying and sensationalizing suicide, can contribute to contagion or in the very least can amplify more misinformation about suicide. Nationally recognized recommendations for reporting on suicide are available at www.afsp.org/media.
AFSP urges the media to refer to these recommendations for any and all future reportings on suicide, and consider adding into their coverage helpful resources for individuals in suicidal (1-800-273-TALK) and/or financial crisis.