If you have lost someone to suicide, you are not alone. Losing a loved one to suicide is challenging, confusing, and painful, and being a suicide loss survivor can be especially hard during National Suicide Prevention Month. We want to acknowledge this, and provide those who have lost a loved one to suicide with resources to help them take care of themselves throughout this month, and beyond.
The following list includes tips and resources for people who have lost someone to suicide:
Reach Out for Help: It can be hard to ask for help, and it is also an important aspect of healing and grieving. Look to your community for resources such as friends, family, co-workers, and mental health professionals.
Support Groups: You do not have to cope with your loss alone. There are support groups specifically for those who have lost someone to suicide. Click here to find one near you.
Online Support Groups: The Alliance of Hope offers a community forum that can be accessed 24/7 from the comfort of your home. Click here to learn more, and access the forum.
Take Your Time: You may feel pressured to discuss your loss with people you may not want to soon after it occurs. This is understandable, and it is important to remember that you can take as long as you need before you openly talk about your loss.
Know You Are Not Alone: It can feel very isolating to be a suicide loss survivor, so it may help to know that you are not alone in the emotions and challenges you are experiencing. Click here to learn more.
Write: You may find it helpful to write about what you are feeling, perhaps in the form of a letter to your loved one, or just in a journal. Writing can give you a safe space to express what you are feeling without judgement.
Read: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a wonderful collection of books for suicide loss survivors. Click here to view the list.
Practice Self-Care: Take a look at our #BeThe1To self-care page to find out more about techniques such as relaxation exercises, staying socially connected, and more that can help you feel better.
In addition, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has practical information on what to do immediately following the death of a loved one by suicide. Click here to view the webpage.