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The loss of a loved one changes your life. Grief is the natural reaction we experience when someone important in our lives dies. The grieving process is highly personal and often transformative; no two people will grieve the same way.
A death that occurs by suicide often results in a complicated grief due to the traumatic nature of the loss. The shock and unexpected nature of a suicide loss often interrupts the natural grieving process, leaving mourners confused and devastated. The historic stigma associated with suicide can also leave mourners feeling isolated and with feelings of shame.
Below you will find information on grief and suicide loss. Whether you have experienced loss or are supporting someone who is grieving, please know that you are not alone.
Why…? is a 9-week closed group specifically designed for individuals who are facing the unique challenges of traumatic grief after a family member or friend has died by suicide.
To learn more about the “Why…?” group, please visit: https://wrspc.ca/individuals/coping-with-suicide-loss/why-support-after-suicide-loss/
You may feel many emotions after your loss, including confusion, denial, shame, guilt, fear, depression, anger or relief. You may also feel other emotions that were not listed. Freely give yourself permission to experience those emotions. As part of your grief, you may begin to question your faith or spiritual beliefs. You may also have thoughts of suicide yourself. All of this can be normal reactions, and it is okay to ask for help and support. Like the waves of an ocean, your grief will sometimes be very powerful and overwhelming. At other times, your grief will seem more gentle and even comforting.
Grief can also cause a physical response in your body. You may experience grief physically as feelings of anxiety or shakiness, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, or increased pain and tension in your muscles.
In the immediate days, weeks and months after your loss you may feel uncertain about how to move forward, or how to cope with the emotions you are experiencing. Some things that may be helpful during this time are:
Two very common questions after a death by suicide are:
Suicide is very complex and complicated, and it almost always leaves many questions unanswered. We may never know or understand the reasons why a loved one took their life. The decision to die by suicide generally comes from a place of helplessness, hopelessness, and deep despair.
As you experience your grief, allow yourself to search for answers as to why things happen and how things come to be. Asking questions is part of working through the trauma and the responsibility that you may be feeling. It may be helpful to work through these questions with a professional who understands traumatic grief.
In your grief journey, there may be times that you need help and support. If you are struggling, ask yourself the following questions. Answer them honestly. If the answer to a question is “yes,” you may benefit from professional support. Remember, it is okay to ask for help.
When you are overwhelmed with grief, it can be hard to reach out for help or know what kind of support to ask for. It can be important to let others help you; look to your friends, family, place of worship, community, and others for support.
You can also access support and help during your grief journey by: