How to Cope After a Loved One Has Committed Suicide

Coping with a loved one's suicide is difficult, but there are things you can do to help you through the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Walking Shoes
• Journal
• Stress Relief Products
• Teas
• Bubble Baths
• Herbal Supplements
• Relaxing CDs
• Herbal supplements

1. Allow yourself to go through your feelings about the death. Normal and predictable feelings you may have include shock, anger, denial, depression and anxiety.

2. Let go of any self-blame you may have. Beating yourself up is taking too much responsibility for someone else's actions.

3. Get help by joining a support group for survivors of suicide or talking to a psychotherapist.

4. Nurture yourself. Give yourself plenty of time and space to relax, take it easy and do whatever helps you feel better, such as taking walks, baths or naps; drinking tea; listening to music; reading.

5. Take any pressure or expectations off yourself to "get over it" quickly. Grief can last from weeks to months or longer.

6. Talk to your doctor about possibly taking medicine if you're having trouble sleeping or are experiencing anxiety or depression. Or discuss the options of herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort (for depression) or kava kava (for anxiety) with your health care provider.

Tips & Warnings

• Support groups are extremely helpful for this type of grief. There is nothing like being with others who understand exactly how you feel.
• There will be good days and bad days. You may feel fine and then suddenly be struck with grief again. This is normal.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a health care professional. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

[MoonKissedDruid]

on 10/8/2009 I lost my husband on the 11th of Sep at 6:45am. He was over four hours away from me, and did not choose to cry me to say goodbye one last time, though we had talked at 9pm the previous night. He went into Eternal Slumber instantly, and felt no pain, I am being clearly informed. It helps the Mustang of ours he shot him in, was completely destroyed. I had asked for the vehicle, but that was an absolute no go.
Now, almost a month later, I am relived I was refused the car, as the bullet had gone through the roof of the vehicle.
What I am having trouble coping with, besides the pain of that he forgot to TAKE ME WITH HIM, is that his parents chose to neither invite myself, nor his two eldest brothers to his memorial... and asked people he was not even close too, to be in attendance. They have shoved all of his material possessions in one closet in the house, as if he didn't exist. I would...

[mangekyoneji]

on 5/26/2009 Find me a counsellor please, cuz i just found out this morning that my friend just commited suicide by her parents texting me...I don't know how to deal with this emotion right..i don't want to let it out the wrong way...so please help me..

[curious51]

on 2/15/2009 My heart goes out to all of you that have dealt with this horrible loss. As the mother of a son, with a suspicious death, I know the feeling of losing a loved one..My son, Joshua, was found dead in Amsler Park/McGregor, TX on February 16, 2006. No police investigation!www.americaiswatching.org (Joshua Robinson)

[nicisman08]

on 2/9/2009 I know how you feel my wife wrote an article about my suicide attempt. You should read hers and maybe it will be a comfort to help you. Her ehow name is KevsGurl08. I will be praying for you and remember God loves you.

[Coach4U]

on 1/26/2009 Suicide is a terrible black hole. The survivors have a lot to deal with. Please read my articl: How to be a Survivor of Suicide and cope with grief.