Can culpabilty be completely mitigated in a suicide?

[Lifesaver]

I have several friends who either struggle with suicide, have tried to commit suicide, or who have commited suicide. All of whom have/had severe depression. If a person has severe depression, and means have been exhausted to cure or help the person cope with the illness, but nothing helps and that person commits suicide, *can *their culpabilty be **completely **mitigated? Or would that contradict their free will?

Thank you

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

HI,

The Church recognizes that most people commit suicide to stop the pain–whether is be physical or psychological. Of the two the latter can be the most horrendous.

The instinct for self preservation is so basic, that one’s misery must be quite extreme to counter it by the taking of one’ s very life. Yes it is very possible that culpability can be completely mitigated.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.