Coping With Loss - Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition

EVERY LIFE IS WORTH LIVING

Impact of Loss by Suicide

When someone you know and love dies by suicide, the journey through grief can be long and painful.

Death is a fact of life and touches all of us at some point. However, with suicide, the grief that a loved ones face is very painful because unique feelings are combined with feelings of shock and trauma.

The unique feelings that result from a loved one’s death by suicide are complicated by unanswered questions. People will want to know “why” the suicide occurred and the “what ifs”.

Suicide is also not well understood in our society. Suicide can rip families apart because instead of receiving love and support, loved ones may actually face blame, judgment or silence and exclusion.

If someone you know dies by suicide, you may experience some or all of the following feelings

These feelings are not unusual.

The following are ways to cope with your suicide grief

Acknowledge that the death is a suicide and speak about your loved one
Acknowledge your feelings and your loss
Learn more about suicide and grief
Remember that you are not responsible for your loved one’s death by suicide
Don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust
Avoid people who want to tell you how to feel
Don’t’ be afraid to ask for help
Seek a support group

The term “survivor of suicide” is commonly used to describe some who has lost a loved one to suicide. The word “survivor” describes the painful journey of surviving the grief that follows. A survivor can be anyone – a parent, child, partner, aunt, uncle, sibling, friend, neighbor and colleague.

Some people prefer the term “suicide griever” fearing that the term “survivor” will be confused with someone who has “attempted” suicide. There are no rules and you can use whatever term you wish.

EVERY LIFE IS WORTH LIVING

Impact of Loss by Suicide

If someone you know dies by suicide, you may experience some or all of the following feelings

The following are ways to cope with your suicide grief

Local Grief Supports

The Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children

Heartache2Hope

Thrive Counselling Services Halton

Centre for Grief and Healing: Bereaved Families of Ontario Halton/Peel

Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch

Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK)

Distress Centre Halton

Acclaim Health

COAST

Your School

Your Church or religious group