How To Write A Eulogy For Someone Who Commited Suicide

Losing a loved one is undeniably painful, but losing someone to suicide adds another layer of complexity and heartbreak. Writing a eulogy for someone who died by suicide can challenge you emotionally and mentally, and yet, it is an opportunity to commemorate the life of your cherished one. This article aims to guide you through the crucial steps of constructing a heartfelt eulogy for someone who experienced this tragic end.

Consider the Audience

When writing a eulogy, it's essential to think about the people who will be listening. Remember that you are addressing a diverse group of family, friends, and community members. Each person processes grief differently, and a good eulogy seeks to respect and acknowledge these varying perspectives.

Be Sensitive and Respectful

It's vital to be sensitive to the feelings of those in attendance, as suicide can trigger guilt, anger, confusion, and numerous other emotions. Choose your words carefully, ensuring that you are respectful of the sensitive nature of the situation.

Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Eulogies are meant to provide comfort to the bereaved. Try to focus on aspects of your loved one's life that can bring solace and understanding to those in attendance. Reassure them that healing is possible and that there's no right or wrong way to grieve.

Focus on Celebrating Their Life

Despite the tragic circumstances, your eulogy should primarily honor the memory of your loved one. Detail their achievements, passions, and kind qualities. Share anecdotes that highlight their personality and character, bringing comfort and warmth to listeners' hearts.

Avoid Blame or Judgement

Death by suicide often raises questions and stirs emotions of blame or guilt. Avoid any language that implies fault or judgment. It is essential to remind those present that mental health struggles are complex, and there is no single reason for such a heartbreaking event.

Acknowledge Their Struggle

While celebrating their life, it's crucial to recognize that your loved one faced overwhelming struggles, whether it was mental illnesses, financial distress, or other factors. Be sure to acknowledge their battle without dwelling on it excessively.

Offer Hope and Encouragement

Suicide leaves those left behind with a range of emotions and creates an environment in which people search for hope and support. As you write your eulogy, consider incorporating uplifting and inspiring elements.

Share Lessons Learned

You can offer comfort by sharing insights or life lessons gleaned from your own experiences with your loved one. This can provide guidance to others, especially those struggling with similar issues.

Leave Listeners with a Positive Message

End your eulogy on a positive note by encouraging listeners to cherish the memories and embrace the love they had for the person.

How To Write A Eulogy For Someone Who Commited Suicide Example:

Sample Eulogy for Someone Who Died by Suicide

Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to pay tribute to an incredible person, my dear friend James. As we all know, the circumstances of his passing are unspeakably tragic, but I want to take this time to celebrate his life and the extraordinary memories we shared.



James was a talented artist, with an extraordinary passion for painting and drawing. His work often reflected the beauty he found in the world, even during challenging times. One of my fondest memories with him was when we spent an entire day at the beach, with James capturing the gorgeous landscape on canvas, his eyes alight with joy.



Undeniably, James fought an overwhelming battle with depression. While he often put on a brave face, his pain was apparent to those of us who knew him closely. It's important to remember that mental illnesses are intricate and delicate, and though we may never fully understand the depth of his suffering, we can honor his courage and resilience by shining a light on the positives.



We can learn much from James's devotion to his passions, his unwavering support for his friends, and his ability to find beauty in life's small moments. It is in these legacies that we find comfort and hope. Let us remember James as the loving, creative, and tenacious person he was, and cherish the positive impact he had on each of our lives.



Thank you for being with us to honor and remember James. Let us support and care for one another, as we navigate this time of grief together. We have lost a shining light in our lives, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider before writing a eulogy for someone who committed suicide?

Before writing a eulogy for someone who took their own life, consider the feelings of the family and friends, the stigma around suicide, and how much to disclose about the circumstances. Approach the topic with sensitivity and respect for the deceased and their loved ones.

How do I start a eulogy under these circumstances?

Begin the eulogy with a focus on the life and personality of the person who has passed away. Share a fond memory, a story, or an anecdote that captures their spirit, before gently acknowledging the tragic nature of their passing.

Is it appropriate to mention how the person died?

It can be appropriate, but it's crucial to handle it with care. It’s often best to speak in general terms about the person’s struggles unless the family has specifically requested to include more detail about the manner of death.

How can I express the grief of suicide in the eulogy?

Express grief by acknowledging the pain and shock of such a loss, while focusing on the person’s life and the impact they had on others, rather than the details of their death.

How long should a eulogy for someone who committed suicide be?

A eulogy is typically around 5-10 minutes long, no matter the circumstances of death. It's more important to speak from the heart and convey a meaningful tribute than to worry about the exact length.

Are there any particular phrases or topics I should avoid?

Avoid language that casts judgment, such as "selfish" or "sinful," and steer clear of graphic descriptions or speculations about the state of mind of the deceased. Focus on celebrating the individual's life and contributions.

What tone should I aim for in the eulogy?

Strive for a tone that is both respectful and heartfelt. It's okay to express sorrow, but try also to offer comfort and share positive memories that celebrate the person's life.

How can I include the person’s struggles in a respectful way?

Address their struggles by acknowledging that they faced challenges and may have been in great pain. Speak gently and with compassion about any mental health issues or other struggles they may have battled.

Is it okay to share happy memories in such a eulogy?

Absolutely. Sharing happy memories is important in celebrating the person's life and can bring some comfort to those who are mourning. It helps to paint a fuller picture of the person beyond their final act.

Should I include messages of hope or talk about healing?

Yes, it can be appropriate to include messages of hope and healing. Offer words of comfort and suggest that with time, those left behind can find peace and learn to live with their loss.

Can I suggest resources or help for others during the eulogy?

While it's important not to turn the eulogy into a public service announcement, it can be appropriate and helpful to subtly mention that support is available for anyone else who is struggling.

How do I handle my own emotions while delivering the eulogy?

It’s natural to be emotional while delivering a eulogy. Take deep breaths, pause if needed and remember that it's okay to show emotion. If you're worried about becoming overwhelmed, have someone ready to step in and continue reading if necessary.

What should I do if other family members have differing views on the eulogy content?

Discuss the eulogy content with close family members beforehand to ensure everyone is comfortable with what will be shared. A consensus or compromise may be necessary out of respect for all affected by the loss.

Is it better to write the eulogy myself or seek professional help?

This depends on your level of comfort and personal relationship with the deceased. Some may find it therapeutic to write the eulogy themselves, while others may prefer to have a professional help to articulate their thoughts and feelings.

How can I conclude the eulogy on a respectful and comforting note?

Conclude the eulogy by reaffirming the love and memories that the audience shares with the deceased. You can also express hope for the future and the enduring impact of the person's life on those they have left behind.

How can I ensure the eulogy is inclusive of the deceased’s life and not just their death?

Concentrate on sharing a broad spectrum of their life experiences, contributions, and relationships. Celebrate their unique qualities and the joy they brought to others, rather than defining them by the way they died.

May I use quotes or sayings in the eulogy?

Yes, feel free to include quotes, verses, or sayings that may provide comfort or resonate with the life and values of the person who passed away, as long as they are tasteful and appropriate.

What if I make a mistake or misspeak during the eulogy?

It's perfectly normal to make mistakes, especially in such an emotional context. Simply pause, correct yourself if needed, and continue. The audience will understand and empathize.

Is there a specific structure I should follow when writing the eulogy?

While there's no rigid structure, a common format includes an introduction, personal stories or memories, acknowledgment of the person's struggles, a message of hope, and a conclusion.

How should I address the topic of mental health in the eulogy?

Address mental health with sensitivity and without stigma. Acknowledge that mental illness is a legitimate health issue, and stress that the deceased was more than their illness.

What if I feel too overwhelmed to deliver the eulogy?

If you feel unable to deliver the eulogy, it's okay to ask someone else to read it on your behalf. Choose someone who was also close to the deceased and who you trust to convey your words with the respect and care they deserve.

Is it appropriate to invite others to share their memories during the eulogy?

Inviting others to share their memories can be a beautiful way to include multiple perspectives and to collectively celebrate the person’s life. However, coordinate with the family and funeral organizers to ensure it fits within the service’s format.

It's never an easy task to capture the essence of someone's existence, especially under such heart-wrenching circumstances. We hope this guide has provided you with the tools necessary to write a heartfelt and beautiful eulogy for someone who died by suicide. As you commit to this difficult and meaningful task, remember that your words can offer comfort to those grieving alongside you. Please feel free to share this article with anyone who may find it beneficial and explore our other guides on Eulogy Assistant for more support and guidance on eulogy writing.