Clear creek waters by rocks and reeds

Grief and suicide

Grief following a death through suicide can be an overwhelming and devastating experience. While grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one, it may be particularly complex in the case of suicide when the death is sudden and may have come without warning.

The range of grief reactions and responses to suicide is very broad and may include shock, denial, numbness, shame or physical symptoms such as sleeplessness or loss of appetite.  Grief can be complicated by feelings of regret about things done or not done while the person was alive, or of anger and disbelief that there was no chance to say goodbye. The question ‘Why did they take their life?’ is often complex and may never be resolved. There is no easy answer – often, the most honest answer is that we don’t know.

Suicide affects different people in different ways, and the course of grief for each person is unique. However, there are some common reactions to the suicide of someone close that may be experienced during the grieving process.

Feelings of guilt and blame

Many survivors of suicide loss have feelings of guilt. They may feel they should have seen the suicide coming’ or that they ‘missed the signs’. ‘If only I had done this’ or ‘If only I had not done that’ are common thoughts.

Parents may feel there was something wrong with their parenting.

Brothers, sisters and partners may feel responsible, particularly when there has been family stress or conflict.

It is important for bereaved people to remember that they acted with the information they had at the time. With hindsight it may be possible to see the signs of the person’s distress, but that does not mean that it was obvious at the time.

Some people may feel others blame them for the suicide, and some may be blamed in a suicide note. These notes are usually written when the person who took their own life is too distressed to think clearly, and so they are unlikely to be a true expression of their feelings about their family and friends.

In addition to blaming ourselves, there may be a tendency to blame others, particularly those closest to us. Blaming can feel like a way to deal with intense grief, but may damage relationships with family and friends at a time when their support is needed most.

Other reactions

Anger

Anger is a frequent reaction to suicide. It is quite common to feel anger at the person who took their life for the pain they caused others. It may be difficult to understand how the person who died could be so intent on getting relief from their distress that they were unable to think of the hurt it would cause those around them. When this is the case, it may help to acknowledge that it is possible to be angry with the person for the action they have taken while still loving them and honouring to their memory.

It is common to experience feelings of inadequacy and a loss of self-esteem in response to the suicide of a loved one. Feelings of self-doubt may make ordinary day-to-day decisions difficult.

Stress

Some bereaved people may experience symptoms of traumatic stress, particularly if they discovered the body of their friend or loved one.

Symptoms of depression may also be experienced. At times there may seem little meaning or purpose in life. These thoughts pass but if they are strong, prolonged, or of significant concern, it is important to seek help from a professional such as a general practitioner (GP) or counsellor.

Isolation

Many people feel deserted, rejected, or even betrayed by the person who took their own life, and may be afraid to begin new relationships. For many reasons, friends may not be able to give the support that is needed. Some people find it difficult to speak about their grief and emotions because of the stigma associated with suicide. Grieving after suicide can be a very lonely experience, and people often value a support group in which they can share their experience with other survivors of suicide loss.

Relief

In some families, a suicide occurs without any warning. In others it is obvious the person who took their own life was suffering from significant mental distress. When this is the case, feelings of guilt and rejection may be less strong or even absent. Indeed, family and friends may experience some sense of relief after the suicide that the person is released from their mental suffering.

Regret

Survivors of suicide loss may feel intense sadness that they missed the chance to say important things to the person who died before their sudden death.  They may yearn to tell them they were loved, or to settle misunderstandings. It is common to feel sadness about these thoughts, but it may help to recognise the person’s contributions and influences during their life and to remember the time spent together.

As time goes by, some people may experience a sense of guilt if their sadness begins to lessen, or if they stop thinking so frequently about the person who has died. Again, this is a natural response, and does not diminish the relationship they had with the person who has died, or mean that they are forgetting them.

 

 

Resources

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Offers 24/7 crisis support via telephone, text or online

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

A nationwide service providing 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people affected by suicide

AnglicareSA Suicide Support

Suicide Prevention Service: 1300 07 77 98

Living Beyond Suicide: 1300 76 11 93

Minimising the impact of suicide through support, information and awareness (MOSH)

Provides services catering to those at risk of self-harm as well as bereavement support.

Support After Suicide

Free service accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all South Australians who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life.

Life in Mind

A national gateway connecting Australian suicide prevention services to each other and the community.

Beyond Blue

Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

 

Page last updated: 29 December, 2021