Holding the Lifeline
A Guide to Suicide Prevention

Module 2: Recognizing the Progressive Development of Suicide - Page 10 of 19

Suicide Aftermath

Death from a suicide is different from the more typical, involuntary forms of death. As the preceding example shows, among the painful feelings a suicide survivor may feel are guilt, anger, stigma, and disconnection.

The Aftermath of Suicide for Family and Friends

Suicide survivors, or those close to someone who committed suicide, face a painful recovery. They often experience:

Guilt: They may wonder what could have been done differently to save the person; survivors may question whether they are to blame.

Anger: When loved ones choose to end their own lives, they choose to be permanently separated from others rather than leave survivors with the thought that they wanted to remain with them.

Stigma: People may make insensitive remarks, ask inappropriate questions, pass judgment and blame instead of offering compassion and support to survivors.

Disconnection: Survivors may become confused and disconnected from the happy or positive memories of the loved one. They may also feel distant from their friends and family who are alive. ref

The American Association of Suicidology features a resource page for Survivors.

The World Health Organization helps professionals understand what it means to Survive a Suicide, as well as The Impact of Suicide across the lifespan and among various communities, and offers suggestions for Sources of Help for the Bereaved

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