Strategies for Managing Grief After a Family Member or Friend's Suicide | Psych Central
In a world where loss can often feel overwhelming, it's essential to understand and address the unique challenges that come with prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and grieving after suicide.
PGD, a condition where symptoms must persist for at least one year and include distinct symptoms of grief, such as an extreme longing to be with the deceased loved one, intense emotional pain when thinking about the death, feeling as though you lost a part of yourself, and disbelief about your loved one passing, can be particularly debilitating.
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 46,000 deaths by suicide in 2020. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing the complexities of grief associated with suicide loss.
Grieving after losing someone to suicide can be overwhelming and raise difficult questions. A 2017 study found that individuals who experienced losing someone to suicide reported higher levels of guilt than those who lost loved ones due to other causes, possibly due to the stigma of suicide or the fear of being blamed for their loved ones' death.
However, it's crucial to remember that you don't have to grieve alone. There are numerous resources available to help individuals cope with their grief.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers resources for survivors of suicide and for those who have lost someone to suicide. The Alliance of Hope, an organization founded for suicide loss survivors, provides ways to honor your loved one and a place to tell your story. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) offers grief support for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
In addition, there are various organisations for people who have lost someone to suicide in German-speaking Switzerland (EXIT), French-speaking Switzerland (EXIT A.D.M.D.), and Dignitas, which is active mainly for people residing abroad.
Common grief rituals, such as visiting a gravesite, creating a space or altar in memory of the person, having a remembrance ceremony, sharing stories about the deceased with friends and family, seeking grief counseling, and lighting a candle for your loved one, can provide comfort and help deal with intense emotional reactions to grief.
Practicing mindfulness, joining a support group, talking with a mental health professional, using distress tolerance skills, and connecting with your social supports can also help accept your feelings without letting them take over you.
If you feel safe to do so, calling 911 or your local emergency services number can connect you with immediate help. In the United States, the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org can provide free and confidential support 24/7. For those outside the United States, finding a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide can offer similar support.
Texting HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 can connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
Remember, the grief process looks different for everyone and there's no linear progression of grief that everyone experiences similarly. It's important to be patient with yourself and seek help when needed. You are not alone in your grief, and there are healthy ways to cope with it.
