The jury is still out about whether physician-assisted suicide has the same changes for the grieving community as suicide does. When physician-assisted suicide takes place, the loved ones usually know of the plans. They know that the person is terminally ill with less than 6 months to live. They know that this arrangement has been requested and made by the one who is dying. This gives families a chance to talk about the person's life and approaching death in a way that may not be talked about without this choice being made.
Suicide is a harsh reality for the loved ones.
Whether or not a note was left for the family, they wonder why they didn't see the depression, why they didn't do something about it, why they couldn't save him or her, etc. The ones left behind usually have tremendous guilt and so many unanswered questions. I have not worked with families who are grieving after a physician-assisted suicide, as Oregon is the only state that has this law, at this time. However, I am curious if this will be coming to our state as well. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form whatsoever.