I agree with Julsoph, if you have to make up a story then your photo hasn't worked, but if you want a critique not that we got all the other nasty and lousy things out of the way then here goes.

Your lighting is off. I don;t know what you were using to light your subject, but it doesn't really work. You only see half the subjects face, and it looks like you used a one light setup at about a 45 degree (also known as a Rembrandt light set up or a one light). If you are going to light it, you might want to try adding a fill light further away from your main light and on the other side of the subject. A hair light would help bring out some more details such as the top of the head.

Black and white would have definitly helped but not much. Even staged this is a horrible shot. You should never play with guns even if they are unloaded. It sends the wrong message and is dangerous. I don't discredit your photographic abilities just on your judgement. I don't think this is the reaction you were looking before, but you have know that in the society we live in, whwn you post a photo an staged suicide you are going to get strong responses. You don't know the people on this board any more than I do, but some these people could have had close ties with people who attempt or are successful in suicide.

From a person who battles with depression all I can say is get your friend some help, and offer to go with him. Its ok to ask for help, I know it saved my life and I hope and pray that your friend is ok.

Zack