Understanding Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. It is often the result of overwhelming emotional pain, mental health struggles, or feelings of hopelessness. It’s important to recognize that those who die by suicide are not weak or selfish, but rather may have felt trapped by their circumstances and unable to see a way out of their suffering. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma can contribute significantly to suicidal thoughts, making it a complex and deeply personal experience.
Why “Commit” Suicide Is No Longer Used
The term “commit suicide” is rooted in outdated and stigmatizing language, historically linked to criminality or sin. It implies judgment and shame. A more compassionate and accurate way to describe suicide is “died by suicide.” This term is neutral, non-judgmental, and recognizes that suicide, like other causes of death, is a tragic outcome rather than a moral failure. It helps shift the focus from blame to understanding the deep pain that often accompanies such a loss.
Who To Talk To
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
A free, confidential helpline for those in emotional distress or in crisis. It offers support and resources to those grieving a suicide loss.
Website: 988lifeline.org
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
AFSP offers educational resources, support networks, and programs for survivors of suicide loss. They also offer local chapters for in-person support.
Website: afsp.org
Grief Beyond Belief
This resource offers support for those who have experienced a loss through suicide, particularly for people who may not have religious frameworks in their grieving process.
Website: griefbeyondbelief.org
The Compassionate Friends
While not solely focused on suicide loss, this organization offers peer-led support groups for parents and families who have lost children, including those who have died by suicide.
Website: compassionatefriends.org
Books on Suicide & Healing
“The Suicide Survivors Handbook: A Guide to Coping and Healing After a Suicide Loss” by Jennifer Ashton
This practical guide offers a compassionate approach to healing for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. It covers common emotional responses, how to seek support, and ways to navigate the grieving process.
“Grief After Suicide: Understanding the Consequences and Caring for the Survivors” by Jennifer L. L. and John H. Jordan
This book provides in-depth psychological insight into the specific grief experienced by survivors of suicide loss, while offering compassionate strategies for healing.
“No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One” by Carla Fine
A personal and helpful guide for survivors, this book combines the author’s own experience with expert advice on navigating grief and rebuilding after loss.
“A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss” by Jerry Sittser
While not specifically about suicide, this book reflects on profound loss in a way that can deeply resonate with survivors of suicide. It explores healing through grief and how to find grace in the aftermath.
Therapeutic Resources
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Offers free, confidential support to anyone in distress, including those grieving a suicide loss. They provide resources and referrals to therapists specializing in grief.
Website: 988lifeline.org
GriefShare
GriefShare offers support groups for those who have lost loved ones, including suicide loss survivors. Their programs combine professional guidance and peer support.
Website: griefshare.org
AFSP Healing Conversations Program
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a Healing Conversations program, where survivors of suicide loss can talk to others who have experienced a similar loss. This offers emotional support and healing from those who truly understand.
Website: afsp.org
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
TAPS offers peer-based emotional support for survivors of suicide loss, as well as educational resources and specialized grief counseling.
Website: taps.org
Therapists & Counselors
Therapists Near Me (Search by specialization)
This directory allows you to search for licensed therapists who specialize in grief counseling and suicide loss. It can be a helpful tool for finding local professionals.
Website: therapyden.com
Psychology Today (Grief & Suicide Loss Counselors)
Psychology Today’s directory provides a comprehensive list of therapists and counselors specializing in grief, trauma, and suicide loss.
Website: psychologytoday.com
The Grief Recovery Method (Grief Specialists)
Trained specialists in the Grief Recovery Method can provide guidance on processing grief in a structured and empathetic way. They have a specific focus on complicated grief, such as loss by suicide.
Website: griefrecoverymethod.com
Online Support Platforms
Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL)
SOSL offers a safe space for those grieving suicide loss, with online support groups, articles, and helpful advice for navigating grief.
Website: soslsd.org
Grief Beyond Belief
Focused on non-religious grief support, this platform provides resources and virtual support for those grieving suicide loss, encouraging a more personalized grieving process.
Website: facebook.com/faithfreegriefsupport
Soaring Spirits International
Soaring Spirits provides virtual and in-person support for people dealing with loss, including suicide loss. Their peer-to-peer mentoring program is especially beneficial for those feeling isolated.
Website: soaringspirits.org
Online Communities & Social Media
Reddit – r/SuicideBereavement
A supportive online community for people grieving suicide loss, where members can share their experiences, ask questions, and offer support to one another.
Website: reddit.com/r/SuicideBereavement/
Facebook Support Groups
- Suicide Loss Survivors: A private group where those affected by suicide loss can share, connect, and heal together.
- Suicide Loss Support: Another group dedicated to offering emotional support and shared healing experiences for people who have lost loved ones to suicide.
There are many accounts dedicated to supporting people who have survived suicide loss. Some offer personal stories, while others are more focused on resources. Searching hashtags like #suicideloss, #survivorsofsuicide, and #suicidegrief can help find these communities.
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Hashtags like #SuicideLoss and #GriefSupport can lead to supportive conversations on Twitter. Many individuals and organizations share articles, personal stories, and encouragement for those grieving a suicide loss.
Non-Profit Organizations & Foundations
The Trevor Project
While primarily focused on LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention, The Trevor Project also offers resources and support for those affected by suicide in the LGBTQ+ community.
Website: thetrevorproject.org
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
SAVE provides resources, education, and support for those grieving suicide loss. Their website offers information on coping with grief and local support groups.
Website: save.org
Mindfulness & Meditation Resources
Insight Timer (App)
Offers free guided meditations, including those specifically designed for grief and loss. Insight Timer is especially helpful for those seeking a calming practice to process their emotions.
Website: insighttimer.com
The Mindful Griever: A Meditation Practice for Healing After Loss by David Kessler
A book that introduces mindfulness practices specifically tailored for those experiencing grief, including after suicide loss. The practices aim to help ground individuals in the present moment and reduce emotional pain.
Website: davidkessler.com