Losing Someone to Suicide - A Survivor's Guide

• There is a sigma surrounding death by suicide – be sure to surround yourself with those who love and support you. 
• Most suicides result from unbearable pain and total hopelessness. 
• The death resulted from a decision made by the deceased. 
• Don’t judge your response by other’s reactions or thoughts. 
• Be patient with your grief – it is like a roller coaster.  
• Exercise and eat healthy – pay attention to your body’s needs. 
• Find appropriate support groups 
• Avoid using substances to address your feelings. 
• Talk and share your feelings. 
• If you follow a religious faith, make use of prayer and faith mentors. 
• Seek professional help if feelings persist, intensify, or seem severe 

Survivor Support 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/find-a-support-group/ 

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) - https://save.org/what-we-do/grief-support/ 

Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Surviors - https://allianceofhope.org/find-support/find-a-support-group/ 

American Association of Suicidology - https://suicidology.org/resources/support-groups/ 

Eluna - https://elunanetwork.org/resources/survivors-of-suicide-sos-group-finder/ 

The Compassionate Friends Supporting Family After a Child Dies - https://www.compassionatefriends.org/surviving-childs-suicide/ 

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels