It is a terrible terrible illness depression, isnt it? and it consumes someone, they reach a point of such deep deep despair, that there is no way out, they cannot see past the emptiness. And what is very frightening, on top of this, is that some people can hide this extremely well.
I have suffered depression for nearly 20 years, with a couple of major episodes that went for 6 - 12 months. They were exacerbated by personal situations, particularly when my son suffered through years of hurt and confusion before he was diagnosed with Aspergers, anxiety and a couple of other bits and pieces (just more initials)
I was consumed with despair, anger, guilt, worry, and sometimes would stay in my room for days, only coming out when I had to. I still managed to go to uni, take the kids to school, feed them, and if I bumped into people whilst I was out, I chatted happily and normally. I didnt so much put on a happy face, it was like I felt better when I was forced to do things. but the minute I got back home, I would feel awful again. I never reached a point that I thought about suicide, but I reached the point were I said to my husband, I dont want to be here anymore, he asked what I meant but I didnt know what I meant, I just wanted to be away from all this. That was enough for him to quit his job in WA, and come home, and its all good now, and my son is great too.
anyway thats all very offtopic, but suicide can seem to be out of the blue for families and loved ones, but it can be hidden quite well by functioning adults.
I also dont feel that suicide is a factor in this case either