Writing a notification of (suicide) death - advice please. Need answer fast.

[Namkcalb]

Like Zebra said, I think you should be honest that it was suicide, but if there was any clinical depression involved, you should mention that too.

Due to a long and difficult battle with severe depression, Johny took his own life on August 8th, 2011. His family is devastated by his loss and would appreciate privacy at this time. Donations can be made in his name to “x” (I vote for a suicide prevention hotline but that’s just me)

[Joey_P]

@Sailboat

family has requested donations be made to the Institute Against Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation in lieu of flowers."

I know that was a joke, but a simple line at the end to the effect of “a donation to [suicide prevention charity] in lieu of flowers” would get the message across just fine and stop 99% of the questions.

[Namkcalb]

@Cazzle

go with something about respecting the family’s wishes that he be remembered for who he was and not the manner of his death.

This would work too.

Also, I really sorry you have to do this. If it means anything, I was suicidally depressed a few months ago and if I knew how much it would have hurt the people around me, I wouldn’t have even thought about it. If I saw a thread like yours, it would have given even more strength to give life another go.

[MPB_in_Salt_Lake]

NM

[Isamu]

Thanks all! I took bits and pieces of advice from all over the thread, so thanks for the input.

The people I had to notify were business associates, not friends or relatives, so it was a little touchy. In the end I went with the undisclosed tack, and will tell people privately if they feel the need to know. The family won’t be contacted by anyone because no-one has their contact details anyway, they only have mine.