GRIEVING A LOVED ONE: HOPE FOR SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS

To lose someone to suicide can feel like a double blow. There is the grief over your loved one’s death. And the unanswered questions of why, and what you could have done differently that people bereaved by suicide often have. As well as the stigma when it comes to suicide. There’s just a lot going on. 

It’s important to remember in the aftermath of a loved one’s death and the waves of pain associated with your traumatic loss, that there is hope for you.

 Resuming your life, if somewhat different from what it was before, will come. The sting of grief will fade, and allow you to remember and move forward, especially if you take advantage of the gift of a good suicide loss support group.

The Grief of Losing a Loved One to Suicide

The type of grief that suicide loss survivors may feel is devastating.

In the aftermath of death by suicide, every fiber of your existence has been torn apart. Nothing in life makes any sense, and you are left with questions having no easy answers. Your personal questions, such as “Why?” and “How could this happen?” drain you emotionally and physically.

Emotional pain and grief set you on a wild roller coaster ride, trying to understand what seems both unreasonable and impossible. Physically, you find yourself unable to cope with the intensive decisions that must now be made.

How to Deal with the Suicide of a Friend or Loved One

You’re probably looking for some coping strategies to help you through the grieving process. When someone you know ‘chooses’ to die by suicide, it can be overwhelming. Grief in general is a lot to deal with, but when the loss is associated with suicide, it may cause complicated grief. You may feel upset with your loved one for abandoning you. An upcoming anniversary or holiday can mean you’ll continue to experience intense feelings for a while.

If you are concerned about the eternal state of the person who dies by suicide, please remember that if they were saved, the suicide does not invalidate their salvation. 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve the suicide of a loved one, but there are a few suggestions that can offer practical help to the person who is grieving:

  • Talk about the person who has died
  • Be patient with yourself
  • Supportive friends and family
  • Professional help
  • Remember, the only way out is through. You can’t go around or avoid grief. 

Resuming your own life, while it will look different, will come. Feeling hopeless or lost will ease, and the sun will shine again. You’ll find yourself laughing again and experiencing life. 

Suicide Grief Support When You Lose Someone to Suicide

This newest book has been written especially for you, the suicide survivor suffering from traumatic grief. The death by suicide of your loved one has left every part of your world both shattered and filled with pain.

We feel your pain.

Some of our staff, families, and circle of friends have walked where you now walk. They know, feel, and have experienced the pain you now endure.

There is hope.

In this book, many of our staff, family, and friends share their difficult journey and, more importantly, their healing journey.

As a staff, we are reminded of the promises of God that He will come alongside, He will heal, and He does provide hope for tomorrow. John’s Gospel (John 14:15-17) is the promise that God has sent the Holy Spirit, who will come alongside to be our Comforter.

It is the peace of God that passes any peace this world can offer (John 14:27). Each of our individuals sharing their pain has walked where you now walk. They have known the grace and peace of God. Now, they desire to share their personal story of grace and comfort (2 Corinthians 2:4).

Blessings and Grace
Francis Welch