Summary
You might be stuck somewhere in the grieving process. Here are some ways to get through it.
Chances are that you have known somebody who has considered suicide. But what happens when you lose someone that way? How do you move on with your own life?
The stigma of suicide
Your family member, loved one or friend may have chosen to end their own life suddenly due to depression, a chronic health condition or another difficult situation. They might have made it known they wanted to take their life. They might have kept their internal misery to themself. It is usually not a selfish act to hurt others—rather, the only way a person can see a way out from their pain.
Each suicide can touch several other lives, especially if it’s publicized or a famous person. Many survivors experience a range of complex grief reactions. These can include:
- Guilt that you didn’t know it was coming, or that you couldn’t save them
- Anger that your loved one or friend could be so selfish
- Abandonment from them
- Denial that they would choose to die in such a manner
- Helplessness that they are gone and you have to continue without them
- Shock at how it was done, or that it was sudden
Give yourself time to go through any and all of the reactions. It’s possible how you feel is even further complicated by religious beliefs. Or, maybe you were the one who found the person—or were with them when it happened. This can make the suicide especially personal and hard to get over.
How to help yourself
You might be stuck somewhere in the grieving process. Here are some ways to get through it:
- Give yourself time. Everyone handles death in their own way and suicide is no different. You don’t have to follow a particular timeline or traditional path of grief.
- Experience your feelings of guilt and anger at the person. Try to remind yourself that it was not your fault and it was not done to hurt you.
- Reach out to others. Know that their family members and other friends are probably having many of the same reactions. You could let those in your inner circle support you too, even if they didn’t know the person. Know that you don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed to share your feelings.
- Realize that the grief will likely come in waves. There will be reminders of the one you lost. Those first anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be tough. Don’t feel as though you have to celebrate the same way if it’s too painful.
- Find professional help through a support group or counselor. Take a step back and tell people what you need to move on. Sometimes, it’s just a listening ear.
It might be hard to imagine that life can be joyous again. Eventually, you may even be able to experience the highs and lows of daily living again. Your loved one or friend won’t ever be forgotten. Once the rawness and anger fade, you will hopefully be able to remember the good times you shared together.
Resources
Alliance of Hope
www.allianceofhope.org/
Parents of Suicides - Friends and Families of Suicides
www.pos-ffos.com/
Suicide Support Group
https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/find-a-support-group/
Summary
You might be stuck somewhere in the grieving process. Here are some ways to get through it.
Chances are that you have known somebody who has considered suicide. But what happens when you lose someone that way? How do you move on with your own life?
The stigma of suicide
Your family member, loved one or friend may have chosen to end their own life suddenly due to depression, a chronic health condition or another difficult situation. They might have made it known they wanted to take their life. They might have kept their internal misery to themself. It is usually not a selfish act to hurt others—rather, the only way a person can see a way out from their pain.
Each suicide can touch several other lives, especially if it’s publicized or a famous person. Many survivors experience a range of complex grief reactions. These can include:
- Guilt that you didn’t know it was coming, or that you couldn’t save them
- Anger that your loved one or friend could be so selfish
- Abandonment from them
- Denial that they would choose to die in such a manner
- Helplessness that they are gone and you have to continue without them
- Shock at how it was done, or that it was sudden
Give yourself time to go through any and all of the reactions. It’s possible how you feel is even further complicated by religious beliefs. Or, maybe you were the one who found the person—or were with them when it happened. This can make the suicide especially personal and hard to get over.
How to help yourself
You might be stuck somewhere in the grieving process. Here are some ways to get through it:
- Give yourself time. Everyone handles death in their own way and suicide is no different. You don’t have to follow a particular timeline or traditional path of grief.
- Experience your feelings of guilt and anger at the person. Try to remind yourself that it was not your fault and it was not done to hurt you.
- Reach out to others. Know that their family members and other friends are probably having many of the same reactions. You could let those in your inner circle support you too, even if they didn’t know the person. Know that you don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed to share your feelings.
- Realize that the grief will likely come in waves. There will be reminders of the one you lost. Those first anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be tough. Don’t feel as though you have to celebrate the same way if it’s too painful.
- Find professional help through a support group or counselor. Take a step back and tell people what you need to move on. Sometimes, it’s just a listening ear.
It might be hard to imagine that life can be joyous again. Eventually, you may even be able to experience the highs and lows of daily living again. Your loved one or friend won’t ever be forgotten. Once the rawness and anger fade, you will hopefully be able to remember the good times you shared together.
Resources
Alliance of Hope
www.allianceofhope.org/
Parents of Suicides - Friends and Families of Suicides
www.pos-ffos.com/
Suicide Support Group
https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/find-a-support-group/
Summary
You might be stuck somewhere in the grieving process. Here are some ways to get through it.
Chances are that you have known somebody who has considered suicide. But what happens when you lose someone that way? How do you move on with your own life?
The stigma of suicide
Your family member, loved one or friend may have chosen to end their own life suddenly due to depression, a chronic health condition or another difficult situation. They might have made it known they wanted to take their life. They might have kept their internal misery to themself. It is usually not a selfish act to hurt others—rather, the only way a person can see a way out from their pain.
Each suicide can touch several other lives, especially if it’s publicized or a famous person. Many survivors experience a range of complex grief reactions. These can include:
- Guilt that you didn’t know it was coming, or that you couldn’t save them
- Anger that your loved one or friend could be so selfish
- Abandonment from them
- Denial that they would choose to die in such a manner
- Helplessness that they are gone and you have to continue without them
- Shock at how it was done, or that it was sudden
Give yourself time to go through any and all of the reactions. It’s possible how you feel is even further complicated by religious beliefs. Or, maybe you were the one who found the person—or were with them when it happened. This can make the suicide especially personal and hard to get over.
How to help yourself
You might be stuck somewhere in the grieving process. Here are some ways to get through it:
- Give yourself time. Everyone handles death in their own way and suicide is no different. You don’t have to follow a particular timeline or traditional path of grief.
- Experience your feelings of guilt and anger at the person. Try to remind yourself that it was not your fault and it was not done to hurt you.
- Reach out to others. Know that their family members and other friends are probably having many of the same reactions. You could let those in your inner circle support you too, even if they didn’t know the person. Know that you don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed to share your feelings.
- Realize that the grief will likely come in waves. There will be reminders of the one you lost. Those first anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be tough. Don’t feel as though you have to celebrate the same way if it’s too painful.
- Find professional help through a support group or counselor. Take a step back and tell people what you need to move on. Sometimes, it’s just a listening ear.
It might be hard to imagine that life can be joyous again. Eventually, you may even be able to experience the highs and lows of daily living again. Your loved one or friend won’t ever be forgotten. Once the rawness and anger fade, you will hopefully be able to remember the good times you shared together.
Resources
Alliance of Hope
www.allianceofhope.org/
Parents of Suicides - Friends and Families of Suicides
www.pos-ffos.com/
Suicide Support Group
https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/find-a-support-group/