Those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide face a complex type of grief which may leave them feeling alone, confused or even guilty. Carrying on after suicide loss takes immense strength and courage. While it may feel like this pain will last forever, through time and with support healing is possible. Whether you’re a survivor of suicide loss, or know someone who is, these messages about life after loss can help you find hope.
1. “Healing is not about moving on or ‘getting over it.’ It’s about learning to make peace with our pain and finding purpose in our lives again.” — Shirley Kamisky
2. “Moving on doesn’t mean letting go.” — Mary VanHaute.
3. “Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” — Vicki Harrison
4. “If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide—even if you, yourself, have dealt with depression and suicidal ideation—you may often wonder why. And that’s okay. Allow yourself that space.” — Karen Espenshade
5. “One thing I learned is however I decided to grieve is the right way for me. Everyone’s different.” — Ron Prickett
6. “Loss from suicide is like no other loss, and there’s no time limit for grieving. Allow yourself that time to process. And then talk to someone, anyone.” — Deenie Bagley
7. “The best piece of advice I got was, ‘Once you accept that many, if not most, of your questions will never be answered, you can start to move forward.’” — Michele Starbeck
8. “Talk about them. Be proud of them. Losing a courageous battle doesn’t make you weak” — Jennifer Betts
9. “A person never truly gets over a suicide loss. You get through it. Day by day. Sometimes it’s moment by moment” — Holly Kohle
10. “Continue to live your life, know that it’s OK to smile again. Don’t ever be ashamed or let anyone make you feel ashamed.” — Jackie Burson
Support For Suicide Loss Survivors
While feelings of grief may never go away, we can learn to make peace with these feelings.
There is no one “right way” to grieve or a set time period for grieving. Grief, and healing from suicide loss, looks different for everyone—and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—it’s always available, whenever you’re ready for it.
Here are 5 resources for suicide loss survivors:
- American Foundation for Suicide Loss Prevention — Living with Suicide Loss
- Healing Conversations — Personal Support for Suicide Loss
- A Handbook For Suicide Survivors
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Loss Survivors
- Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors
If you’re in need of additional support, Valera Health offers individual therapy as well as grief support groups. Visit https://www.valerahealth.com/consult-today/ or click here to request a free consultation with a dedicated Health Connector who will help you find a therapist.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at “988” or go to the nearest emergency room.