In legal terms, whether one has the capacity to suicide is often a vexed question. This is why a suicide note can be especially useful. A statement that outlines in detail why a person has elected to end their life can be beneficial. The aim of the note is to show that the decision to die was the result of much consideration by the person involved. It would also be important to say that the decision was entirely an individual one and that no outside pressures were brought to bear. If the person was suffering from a serious illness this should also be mentioned. In other words, paint a picture which any reasonable person would be able to relate to and sympathise with.
Once you have prepared signed and dated your suicide note is advisable to make a few photocopies. Give or mail one to a close frend (if you have told anyone of your plans).
Remember you could just hand over a sealed envelop and just ask them to keep it safe. That way you need not reveal the exact date and time of your plans. If you are in contact with a lawyer you could give one to them also. You could also leave one hidden in a drawer in your home.
A well written suicide note will not only help confirm that you knew what you were doing and the ramifications of your suicide in short that you had capacity to die - but it will help keep others safe. It would be much more difficult for the police charge a loved one with 'assisting' - even if they were with you when you died - if you leave this all-important explanatory note.
[taken from The Peaceful Pill Handbook]
Once you have prepared signed and dated your suicide note is advisable to make a few photocopies. Give or mail one to a close frend (if you have told anyone of your plans).
Remember you could just hand over a sealed envelop and just ask them to keep it safe. That way you need not reveal the exact date and time of your plans. If you are in contact with a lawyer you could give one to them also. You could also leave one hidden in a drawer in your home.
A well written suicide note will not only help confirm that you knew what you were doing and the ramifications of your suicide in short that you had capacity to die - but it will help keep others safe. It would be much more difficult for the police charge a loved one with 'assisting' - even if they were with you when you died - if you leave this all-important explanatory note.
[taken from The Peaceful Pill Handbook]
