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.
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Things You'll Need
- Walking Shoes
- Journal
- Stress Relief Products
- Teas
- Bubble Baths
- Herbal Supplements
- Relaxing CDs
- Herbal supplements
Instructions
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Allow yourself to go through your feelings about the death. Normal and predictable feelings you may have include shock, anger, denial, depression and anxiety.
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Let go of any self-blame you may have. Beating yourself up is taking too much responsibility for someone else's actions.
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Get help by joining a support group for survivors of suicide or talking to a psychotherapist.
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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.
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Take any pressure or expectations off yourself to "get over it" quickly. Grief can last from weeks to months or longer.
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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.
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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.
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Comments
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You are not alone. We along with GOD will always be here for you. Not to judge, or give advise, but as a friend who cares and will listen and help you in anyway we can. S o please reach out.
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Thanks I really needed this information it is very hard for me to cope with the suicide of my nephew.
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this information is very helpful and if you have lost someone close to you to suicide... I highly recommend sites such as this one to help you cope and understand better.. We all know how confusing times such as these can be, so don't be afraid to benefit yourself with a few explanations or learn alot more about SUICIDE. You'd be surprised how much better you will feel and how much more at ease you will feel once you understand suicide more, and even maybe be able to prevent the next one :)).
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July 28, 2009 My close uncle, who was also a father figure, committed suicide. He shot himself in the head with a very powerful weapon. I found him, and I couldn't save him. It's been two years now, and I still cry. I love him more then he knew, because he was my second dad figuratively speaking. Don't ever think your problems are bigger then your life, because they are not. Suicide is never the solution to your problems. Stop...Think...and talk to someone at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
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I lost my husband and father to my wonderful 2 year old daughter on july 4 2010 I am just having a hard time dealin with it. I have so much guilt and pain I don't know what to do with.
