Fear of losing status is a common cause of suicide. Many a
   working father with a wife and children depending on them have
   killed themselves, in the USA, in Japan, likely other places as
   well.

   They're basically offing themselves because they no longer feel
   like a man and they'll be mocked by their friends. Suicide
   appears more honorable than dishonor.

   But considering the mess being left behind, is it the more
   honorable choice?

   If someone is independent, has no dependents, has nobody
   depending on them for anything, nobody whose lives would be
   devastated by their sudden passing, then by all means.

   But I think it gets a little more complicated when there's
   family, wife (or husband) and kids involved. Losing a job and
   fearing asking for government support, because that would make
   you a hypocrite because you always were critical of those
   receiving government support... and if your friends found out,
   they would call you a hypocrite.. and abandon you.. and rather
   than being abandoned by friends, it would be better to leave the
   planet altogether.

   These are some of the more squirrely areas, I think.