Each
person experiences the pain associated with the loss of a
loved one in a different way. The loss of a loved one
by suicide makes the pain even more difficult to bear.
People heal in different ways and it may even be hard to believe
that you will ever feel better after such a tragedy and traumatic
event. You will need support and treatment as you begin
to take the steps forward toward things like living, working,
playing, laughing, crying, and interacting with others.
According
to experts in the field of suicidology, every suicide impacts
at least 6 people. In 2000, 1 in every 62 Americans
was a survivor of suicide and the number of “survivors” grows
by approximately 176,000 each year (Reference 1).
Common
Feelings and Experiences
Survivors
of suicide experience many emotions. These emotions
usually go away with time, but the process can take weeks,
months, or even years. The emotions may come back from
time to time, particularly during a special holiday or event
that reminds you of the person that you have lost to suicide.
The
following are some of the emotions often associated with coping
with the loss of a loved one who dies by suicide (References
3&4):
Shock:
Shock is many times the first reaction felt by survivors
of suicide, along with emotional numbness. It is difficult to
believe or understand the reality of what has happened.
Some people are unable to conceive of such a reality and deny
death by suicide of a loved one for some time.
Electronic,
print, and multimedia resources are provided to help you to
find authoritative information on surviving suicide. These resources
are available from such national organizations as The National
Institute of Mental Health as well as professional organizations,
not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.
Book
Bolton, I. & Mitchell,
C. (1983). My Son...My Son: A guide to healing after a suicide
in the family . Bolton Press: Atlanta, GA.
Internet
American
Association of Suicidology (AAS)
The
AAS is a U.S. professional organization whose goal is to understand
and prevent suicide through research, education, training,
and public awareness.
The
Survivor Division of AAS provides a Web page titled Beyond
Surviving: Suggestions for Survivors that is available
at the following Web address:
