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I've had personal experience with a family member committing suicide - my uncle, in 1985. He was my favorite uncle and it was very formative in my development.
I'm still saddened, baffled, angry about his death. Sometimes one more than another. He was an alcoholic (though we didn't know this) and had some trouble with his school board (he was one of those 'inspirational' teachers they write movies about) and his death, by self-inflicted gunshot, came as a complete shock to all of us. But then, my father's side of the family was taught never to discuss their feelings.
As a result, I find that my patience with alcohol abuse and people who do not seek help for (or communicate about) depression is limited (though my compassion is not.) Also as a result, my nuclear family began to seek counseling, and to discuss how we were actually feeling instead of pretending happiness or stiffupperlippery - and I believe that this has really improved our lives. I feel very sad for people who feel that they have no choice.
On the other hand, watching a parent's health deteriorate into consistent misery over twelve years is very difficult. If my mother was making a different choice than she currently is, I would not feel the sort of anger that I felt toward my uncle. Sadness, sure - but I would understand.
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