Choosing The Right Funeral Home

How To Handle The Topic Of Suicide At A Cremation Service

21 September 2016

Derek Murphy

When a loved one commits suicide, many inevitable questions remain. It can be one of the most traumatizing forms of death, but it is also horrifically common. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the country, and more than 40,000 people die in the United States from suicide each year. If you attend the cremation services for someone who has died by suicide, keep these things in mind.

Keep Opinions to Yourself

Suicide is forbidden in many religions, and it can be considered a sin or worse. Some sects of Christianity even believe that suicide will send one to hell. If you have religious or personal prejudices against those who commit suicide, do not share those. It may feel like you are being supportive by railing against the very thing that has robbed the bereaved of their loved one, but they may be further hurt by your outrage. Let the family and those who were closest to the deceased set the tone. They may voice their opinions at the service, but keep yours to yourself.

Ask No Questions About the Suicide

If it has been announced that the person has committed suicide, the time to find out all the nitty gritty details is not the cremation service. In fact, even talking about it among a couple of close friends is frowned upon. The family may overhear or it may upset some who are at the service to pay tribute to the deceased. It's best to refrain from asking questions about the death or suicide at the service. Save that for weeks or months down the road.

Manage Others' Bad Behavior

Unfortunately, many people get confused and behave badly when someone dies from suicide. Try to play referee for the family and nip bad behavior in the bud. If someone at the funeral has the bad taste to get nosy about the suicide or preach about how wrong the choice was, try to politely remind them that this is not the time and place. When possible, ask the person to step aside. Then explain why their behavioral is hurtful and ask them to stop. It will be hugely helpful to the family if you're proactive about stopping this rude behavior.

Finally, keep in mind that suicide may be a very sensitive subject for people who are still in shock from the event. They may be deeply grieving and struggling to understand why the deceased chose such a final solution. The best thing that you can do is be there for them and express both your compassion and your support.

For more information, contact local professionals like Catchen Don & Son Funeral Home.

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