November 18 is designated as a day focused on supporting those who have lost a loved one to suicide.  On this day, people affected by suicide loss gather to share stories of hope and healing and to find comfort and gain understanding.

 

Grieving the loss of a loved one is never easy, but losing a loved one to suicide most often results in a host of complex feelings including shock, guilt, confusion, shame, and anger. The stigma attached to suicide complicates the process of grief.  Survivors may be preoccupied with trying to understand why the death occurred. Family, friends, and loved ones who have lost someone to suicide are at a higher risk of developing symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as well as possible suicidal thoughts or behaviors of their own. 

 

Ways to help survivors cope with their loss and grief include:

• Be available – Listen if they want to talk. Don’t try to fix things. Your presence is comforting even if you do not speak.  Ask IF and HOW you can help.  Be patient.
• Normalize the grief – Survivors should grieve just as they would any other loss.  Validate their feelings.
• Encourage openness – Use the loved one’s name. Extend your condolences. Don’t avoid talking about the person who is gone.
• Ease guilt – It may help to remind the survivor how little control anyone has over another’s behavior, and how even professionals cannot predict when such a death might occur.
• Plan ahead – Help the survivor find ways to cope with upcoming special events and calendar dates which will be difficult.
• Make connections – Give information on support groups and resources specific to survivors of suicide loss.

Here in Northwest Ohio, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is hosting an event for survivors in Holland, Ohio.  For more information and to register, you may follow this link.

 

AFSP’s website has many resources including training opportunities, ways to become involved as an advocate or a volunteer, information on bringing prevention curriculum to schools, data and statistics, and numerous other topics.