Finding Support Following the Suicide of a Loved One

Finding Support Following the Suicide of a Loved One

Those who have lost friends or family members to suicide are faced with deep and complex emotions that can impact the grieving process. Suicide bereavement can differ substantially from other forms of bereavement, making it important for survivors to connect with others who understand what they are going through. For many survivors, talking about or honoring their loved one can help them as they work through their grief. Healing may take years, but the support from others can be beneficial during each stage of grief.

Dealing with the Impact

Often, suicides are unexpected and leave family members feeling shocked or numb. When faced with traumatic situations, like suicide cleanup or having to plan a funeral, many people find that others who have gone through the process are able to help them cope with the intense and unexpected feelings that accompany these tasks.

During the grieving process, some people may experience feelings of anger or depression. Once the initial shock has worn off, they may find that they are unable to handle the tidal waves of emotions that can seem to overtake them. Survivors may go through the following emotions:

• Guilt
• Blame
• Loneliness
• Despair
• Shame

A good support network can reduce the feelings of isolation that one may experience and give survivors a safe place to talk about the painful issues that they are living through.

Adopting Coping Strategies

When working through grief, developing positive coping strategies help survivors from becoming overwhelmed. For some, reaching out to friends, family, or religious leaders provides a place where survivors feel comfortable talking about the deceased. Planning special events on important dates can also be a good coping strategy, since it allows loved ones to honor and remember the life of the deceased. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep, provides the energy needed to cope with the loss.

Finding Emotional Recovery

Acceptance is the final stage of grief, one that some survivors must work toward for many years after the event. Support groups can aid in guiding people toward emotional recovery and help provide a sense of peace. While complete acceptance may be difficult to obtain, fellow survivors can offer practical solutions and a sympathetic ear.

At Crime Scene Clean-Up, we are dedicated to assisting suicide survivors as they begin their grieving process by offering professional services to discretely return the home to its former state. Contact us today to learn more.