Saving Lives: How to Help Suicide Survivors Heal

In the United States, roughly 135 people die by suicide every day. And for every life lost, countless others are left in the wake, making the magnitude of grief and loss at the hands of this tragedy astronomical.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. To honor it, we’re exploring the topic of suicide because education saves lives. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how to support suicide survivors.

Listen to the TED Talk below, where psychologist Erica Lennon brings attention to suicide and shares her experience of losing a client to it.

The truth is, nearly all of us have been affected by suicide. It’s a common tragedy that we don’t often speak openly about.

Intimate survivors are often riddled with guilt and complex feelings of grief, which makes navigating support all the more difficult for people closely involved.

What Sets Suicide Grief Apart from Other Losses

In addition to typical feelings associated with grief and loss, survivors of suicide often grapple with the following:

Stigma & Isolation

Talking about suicide can be challenging for survivors because of differing cultural and religious viewpoints, leading to conflicting emotions and difficulties navigating conversations on the topic.

Mixed Emotions

When death is by suicide, people often mourn the loss and hold intense feelings surrounding the circumstances of the death. Emotions such as anger and feelings of abandonment and rejection can all occur after a suicide, alongside positive feelings about the deceased. Sorting through all of these various emotions can make the healing process more challenging.

Needing to Understand Why

Searching to understand the circumstances of losing someone to suicide can lead to the question of “Why?” As a result, people may second-guess actions, hold feelings of guilt, and wonder if they missed signs or could have done something different to prevent the tragedy.

Loss by suicide increases the risk for suicide among survivors.

5 Ways to Support Someone After a Suicide Loss

Below are five ways you can support someone who’s experienced loss by suicide.

Promote Self-Care

Healing takes time and starts with self-care. Encourage those grieving to engage in activities that promote wellness.

Offer Resources

Be prepared to provide resources such as local support groups, mental health professionals, and self-help options.

Engage in Conversation

Often, people are uncomfortable broaching the topic of grief because they don’t want to remind survivors of their loss. Believe us when we say they didn’t forget—offer a non-judgmental listening ear and validate feelings.

Help Them Speak Out About Suicide

If they’re comfortable with it, speaking out about suicide, sharing their story, and spreading awareness can promote healing.

Encourage Professional Support

Survivors are at significant risk for mental health conditions and suicide. Encouraging professional support can mitigate this and help them navigate loss.

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