Loss Through Suicide
Suicide leaves those who are touched by it with a unique kind of grief, filled with unanswered questions, stigma from those who don’t understand, and sometimes immense guilt. More than 800,000 people die by suicide each year.
Loss Through Suicide
Suicide is a unique form of loss. For many survivors the grief is complicated by questions of responsibility, missed opportunities to help, and profound guilt. In addition there is the societal and sometimes religious stigma that surrounds suicide. Close friends and family may not understand their loved one’s decision to end his or her life, and may have feelings of anger and confusion. Survivors are faced with the challenge of how much to share and with whom. Talking to children about the loss of a loved one by suicide is particularly complicated. This page will hopefully help as you work through these intricacies.
Online Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Friends for Survival: A National Outreach and Support Organization for those affected by a suicide death
Support Groups
(Please note that during covid, many groups are meeting via zoom)
https://friendsforsurvival.org/meetings
Suicide: Finding Hope
Our Side of Suicide
Suicide is Preventable
Each Mind Matters
Mental Health America
www.bit.ly/1HNmHLL to access local support groups
Talking to Children about Suicide
The Hello Fund
Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
https://www.hellofund.org/
Support Groups
California Suicide Support Groups
www.suicide.org/support-groups
Grief Share Support Groups
Activities
Survivor Day-global day of remembrance
Out of the Darkness Walks
Creative remembrances
healgrief.org (to create an on-line memorial)
loveliveson.com (coping with holidays)
funeralzone.com.au (various ceremonies)
www.stardust-memorials.com (memorial jewelry with ashes)
www.jillianbdesigns.com (custom hand-stamped memorial jewelry)
crisis hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24-hours
1-800-273 TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: text TALK to 741741
The Trevor Project- Support for LGBTQ youth
1-866-488-7386
Suicide Loss Help Line
1-800-646-7322
PFLAG
WWW.PFLAGSACRAMENTO.ORG
(916) 978-0410
