UNDERSTANDING GRIEF

Other Useful Links

Mourner’s Bill of Rights

Grief is and is not…

Sign’s of Complicated Grief

Ideas for Coping with Grief

Self-Care, When Grief Bubbles Up

RECOMMENDED READING

LIGHT A VIRTUAL CANDLE

GRIEF COACH

In addition to the usual symptoms and pain of grief associated with death, suicide often leaves survivors with complicated reactions and unanswerable questions. It’s normal to almost obsessively ask “why” to look for an answer as to why someone would take their own life. The impact of suicide is sudden and unexpected — it leaves no time to prepare for the emotional blow it delivers. Whether you’ve lost a friend or family member, shock, disbelief, and denial are all common reactions.

Regardless of one’s awareness of the mental or emotional state of the deceased before they died, it’s impossible to be prepared for news of a suicide. We may worry that it could happen and know that it may be on the list of “possibilities,” but that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier when it does happen. It’s still virtually unimaginable, and many people find themselves obsessing over the deceased’s last moments, wondering if they could have said or done anything that would have prevented the death.

Because suicide leaves us feeling powerless, we sometimes blame others or ourselves. We might believe someone should have done more, or an institution or medical facility should have been able to prevent it. Yet, the unfortunate and devastating truth is that even with medical care and emotional support, there are those for whom suicide is a step they are determined to take.

When a person very close to you — a spouse, a child, or a partner — dies from suicide, a feeling of rejection is sometimes present. You may find yourself wondering why the deceased decided that death was preferable to living a life with you. While intellectually, you may know or recognize that wasn’t the case, your feelings of rejection and abandonment may persist as someone deeply hurt by this death. Be patient with yourself and realize that these feelings are normal. It can also be helpful to educate yourself on why people die from suicide. Though we do not have all the answers, it can be beneficial to understand suicide better as you grieve.

Common survivor emotions

Survivors of suicide (i.e., those who have had a friend or family member suicide) may feel isolated or judged due to the stigma sometimes and wrongly associated with suicide. This feeling can complicate your grief, adding a layer of guilt and disconnection that can prolong it. Common reactions related to grief after a suicide might include:

Shock: Numbness or disbelief may occur, or you might think the suicide couldn’t possibly be real. You may look for ways to verify or dismiss it.

Guilt: You may wonder what you should have said or done. You may replay “what if” or “if only” scenarios, blaming yourself for the suicide.

Anger: “Why did he/she abandon me?” “Why is death preferable to life with me?” You may also be angry with yourself or others for having missed “clues” that might have revealed the deceased’s intentions.

Despair: As happens with all grief, you may feel overwhelmed by sadness or feelings of helplessness. You may feel “crazy,” questioning your sanity, or having thoughts of suicide yourself. While this is not unusual, it is crucial to seek support or even professional help for yourself. Professional support or a support group may help you better live through the pain and emotional turmoil. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, please seek professional treatment immediately. The national suicide prevention hotline has 24-hour support at 1-800-273-8255.

Taking care of yourself

When you’re grieving, it is vital to take care of yourself. You might find that your loss may take away your energy, your appetite, and your emotional reserves.

Allow yourself to grieve: Often, we push the grief away or tamp it down by distracting ourselves with activities or tasks. While distractions from our grief can be helpful in the short term, ultimately, we must have healthy outlets for our grief. Some of these might include talking to a trusted friend, attending a support group, scheduling an appointment with a professional, taking a walk, visiting places unique to you and the deceased, and writing or other expressive activities.

Tangibly express your feelings: This can be done in many ways, depending on your creativity or usual means of expression. You can write about your loss in a journal or send a private note to the person you’ve lost. You can make a scrapbook, photo album, or create an online memorial celebrating their life. You can also get involved in an organization or philanthropy that was meaningful to them or donate in their name. If someone chose suicide because they were struggling with a specific issue, consider donating to a group that helps those who are also dealing with the same issue. Whatever that might be for you, finding this time can be helpful in your grief.

Be physically healthy: Your mind and body are connected, and physical health helps with emotional healing. Feeling lethargic or having low energy when you are grieving is natural, but if you can take a walk or even run, it will promote the process. Combat your fatigue with an appropriate amount of sleep, and choose foods that provide you not just with comfort but also with energy.

Don’t judge yourself or let others judge you: You can grieve for as long and as deeply as you need to. No one — including yourself — can tell you when to “move on” or “get over it.” It’s okay to be angry, to cry, not cry, or even laugh — you can allow for moments of joy in your grief and feel no guilt for having a moment without pain. We recommend reading the Mourner’s Bill of Rights to reassure yourself of your “right” to grieve.

Finding support

One of the critical factors in healing from a loss by suicide is the support of others. Having your family, friends, or a community of others who have experienced grief allows you to feel that someone else “gets it.” Being able to share your story or your feelings is vital to the healing process.

Support groups: There are many support groups for suicide survivors — those who have lost someone through suicide. You can find the national registry of support groups. If this feels intimidating, remember that you can attend a group and just listen. You won’t be forced to speak until you’re comfortable, and you may draw comfort from being in a community of others who have some understanding of the nature and depth of your grief.

Grief Coaching: As more and more individuals seek the benefits of support, grief coaching has become a medium for those seeking one-on-one support yet not needing or qualifying for mental health professionals. A grief coach focuses on getting you back on your feet after a significant setback so you can achieve healthy post-bereavement growth. This service, similar to the cost of a co-pay, is an alternative gaining much traction when seeking grief support.

Therapists or counselors: Sometimes, talking to a professional with experience with grief counseling (and suicide loss specifically) can help you work through some of the intense emotions you may be feeling. It’s normal to feel vulnerable after someone in your life dies from suicide — we may feel there’s a stigma attached to it or be feeling guilt, however, misplaced. A compassionate third party with grief or suicide survivor experience may help you overcome obstacles to your healing.

Faith-based groups: If you are religious, you may find support in your community or from the leader of your church or temple. They may be able to provide suggestions for rituals or prayer that can help. In addition, because of their role in the community, they may have extensive experience with different types of loss, including suicide.

Community: You may be a private person or not have a local support network. Regardless, finding a community of others who have suffered a similar loss is essential. Through this community, you may feel less isolated.

As you experience grief, you must remind yourself of a few fundamental tenets that will help you heal:

Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Expect and accept setbacks — things may trigger your grief, and in places you don’t expect. And just as importantly, don’t rush yourself. You have the right to grieve, and no one can tell you when it’s time to end that process, including yourself.

Grief is often a life-long journey. Know that additional support is there if you feel you might need to express yourself with others who understand.

FINDING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Find A HealGrief Coach