A bit off topic, but....
I am so saddened by the numbers and statistics for suicide. I have no way of knowing yet if CB's death is suicide, but just the research and reading I've been doing makes me feel so sad for people who think that suicide is the best solution. Unfortunately, I have known three close friends who have committed suicide, all as adults and all men. But reading the statistics just makes my heart heavy that there is that much hurt and pain.
I found some great information on facts, figures and risk factors here: http://www.suicidology.org/resources/facts-statistics
I assume most of us have been touched by suicide in some way. My younger daughter is struggling with depression and anxiety, and has made one gesture/attempt. My heart goes out to the families impacted by suicide. The most difficult suicides to work are the teen suicides, especially as a parent it is easy to imagine it happening to you.
I think love and support can work wonders but as a parent I'll tell you that my daughter's issues are well beyond what parents could handle, so professional help is good but it is a long slow road.
I will say that seeing those that have terminal illnesses end their lives does not make me sad (I support death with dignity).
I would say that often family members are very surprised and that the person has been struggling or hiding their issues from them. I am not suggesting that is the case with CD but as I said this does happen.
The toughest suicide I've been to (I had to excuse myself from the rescue once he'd been found) was a former co-worker, with two young children. Sometimes people have hidden chemical imbalances -- from any rational point you could argue has family is far worse off without him. That's the only SAR subject's funeral I've been to, I hope I never go to another.
What bothers me is that there is still a big stigma attached to suicide and mental health issues. This should be a national or global discussion, not stigmatized.