Surviving a suicide loss....
The loss experienced as the result of a death by suicide is a very unique grieving process. It is estimated that each suicide leaves behind AT LEAST 6 survivors. Loved ones typically experience a myriad of cyclic emotions including, but not limited to:
- guilt
- confusion
- shock
- numbness
- self blame
- anger
- sadness
- hopelessness
- depression
- loneliness
- abandonment
- rejection
For those supporting a friend or loved one who is grieving a suicide loss, it is important to be patient. You will not always understand why they act the way they do. They will most likely need to repeat themselves or tell their story many times. This is a vital part of the healing process with a suicide loss and it is important to let them talk it out. They are working through a very complex system of constantly fluctuating emotions. Let them know you are here to listen but also understand they may need time and space to process their grief. They will share if, and when, they are ready. Be open and comfortable talking about their loved one.
SOS Support Group- Pittsburgh, PA
The Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Group is a support group for bereaved family members and close friends of suicide victims. The group provides a safe place for survivors to deal with the painful questions and feelings that follow suicide. Members support one another while trying to understand the complex issues raised by this tragic death. Meetings take place on Wednesday from 5:30 pm –7:30 pm at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) for 8 consecutive weeks. Please call 412-864-3346 for group start dates. The SOS support group is a service of the STAR-Center, a nationally recognized center for the prevention and treatment of suicide.
Click here to find a support group in your area.
We also encourage individual therapy with counselors who specialize in grief or suicide. Oftentimes, utilizing more than one help resource can be beneficial to those coping with immense loss. Psychologytoday.com can provide a listing of therapists and their specialties in your area.
The Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Group is a support group for bereaved family members and close friends of suicide victims. The group provides a safe place for survivors to deal with the painful questions and feelings that follow suicide. Members support one another while trying to understand the complex issues raised by this tragic death. Meetings take place on Wednesday from 5:30 pm –7:30 pm at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) for 8 consecutive weeks. Please call 412-864-3346 for group start dates. The SOS support group is a service of the STAR-Center, a nationally recognized center for the prevention and treatment of suicide.
Click here to find a support group in your area.
We also encourage individual therapy with counselors who specialize in grief or suicide. Oftentimes, utilizing more than one help resource can be beneficial to those coping with immense loss. Psychologytoday.com can provide a listing of therapists and their specialties in your area.
Website Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- The leading organization in the nation for suicide prevention and survivor support. The AFSP offers a list of books found here that survivors may find helpful to their coping process.
American Association of Suicidology- Mission Statement: To promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.
The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors- "Provides healing support for people coping with the shock, excruciating grief and complex emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one to suicide."
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- The leading organization in the nation for suicide prevention and survivor support. The AFSP offers a list of books found here that survivors may find helpful to their coping process.
American Association of Suicidology- Mission Statement: To promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.
The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors- "Provides healing support for people coping with the shock, excruciating grief and complex emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one to suicide."
*The resources listed on this page are not comprehensive and are not meant to replace the advice of a mental health professional.