I took the time to write this up and post this to my Facebook this morning. I thought maybe it could be useful in the "off-topic" area since suicide is sensitive issue that many don't openly discuss. Below is the copy of my 'Note'. I should also mention that I am from a very small town of less than 5,000 and when something like this happens the news spreads like wildfire along with the rumormills. My Advice on Dealing with the News of a Suicide The recent news of a suicide of a former classmate prompted me to write this note. Since I have personally had the suicide of a family member affect my life I thought that I should share some words of advice when dealing with family members, friends, or aquaintances of those who have committed suicide. I was understandably angry and hurt by someones outward view on suicide. I will try and write this with a level-head and remind myself that not all are touched by suicide and so when something like this happens people are unable to properly respond. I wouldn't wish this experience upon anyone. Please take a moment to consider the following points before you react. Sensitivity Training 101 for News of Suicide (List is evolving and never complete.) 1- The person who ended their life was important to someone. Mind your words carefully. I understand that some religious views bring into question the soul after someone commits suicide. Please realize that is NOT what a family member/loved one/aquaintance wants to hear right now. They have so many unanswered questions from the unexpected passing. They need you to comfort them. I'm sure you would not enjoy being in the same horrible situation and someone bringing up this religious belief to you. Let's say even if on a regular basis you agree with that view---- in this difficult time you most certainly WOULD NOT want to hear that. This is not the time. 2- Do not treat the immediate family member/friend/loved one like an outcast. You won't realize it but since it does happen so rarely the suicide victim's loved one can feel strange and almost alienated. Don't point fingers, whisper, etc. We are already dealing with so many unanswered questions. Please treat us with the respect you would treat someone who just lost a family member in any other situation. (i.e. Cancer, accidental death, etc) We are grieving. 3- Don't assume you know what happened. You have no idea. While you may somehow find out the facts on how their method of taking their life--you will NEVER know all the pain the recently departed went through. You will never understand. It is NOT for us to understand. Just be there for those affected. Looking back in retrospect, my personal opinion is that the act of suicide is the most selfish thing one can do. It is the quick way out. They leave those who care about you most with so many questions. We would of done anything to have prevented this from happening! It has been said that the loved one or those closest of those who choose suicide die 1,000 deaths from all the pain we continue to endure. These are only a few of my tips for those dealing with the news of suicide and I will probably add more as they come to mind. Please feel free to send me your thoughts. I hope you never know the pain suicide can bring, but I hope somehow my words in this note will help you to be more sensitive to this tragedy. Sincerely, Christina PS- Please feel free to share this advice with others. Unfortunately common sense isn't always so common.