It’s never an easy thing to lose a loved one.
When someone takes their own life, however, it can present its own set of challenges.
Here, we’ll discuss how to cope with this particularly difficult key in of loss.
Clearing Up Some Myths About Suicide
Suicide is very commonly misunderstood.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention explains that this issometimes the case.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
According tothe Center for Disease Control, suicide is actually at its lowest rate in December.
Suicide rates actually tend to spike during the Spring and Fall.
In fact, suicide can often occurwithout any warning signs at all.
This isn’t always the case, but it can happen.
Unfortunately, you’ve got the option to’t always get answers, but it’s alright to ask.
When someone commits suicide, though, the person who did it and the victim are the same.
Thoughts like “How could he do that to us?”
or “Didn’t she care about us?”
are extremely common and also perfectly natural.
This instinct doesn’t pair well with the first bullet on this list.
It’s easy to imagine a “what if” scenarios.
The problem is that this often only makes us feel worse.
All of these reactions areperfectly normal and expected.
While it won’t make the feelings go away, knowing they’re natural can help ease the transition.
Help Yourself Grieve with These Coping Strategies
Unfortunately, there’s no one method for overcoming grief.
We all have our own ways of dealing with loss and the case of suicide is no different.
Here are some actions you should consider.
Additionally, your other loved ones may be just as affected by the loss as you are.
Holding each other up can be considerably more therapeutic than running from the feelings.
To compensate for this, theASFP’s Resource and Healing Guide suggeststhat you dedicate time to yourself.
Just be sure you set it aside.
Being constantly busy with others' expectations can cause you to avoid the grieving process altogether.
However, you should avoid making any major decisions while you grieve.
Ideally, speak to someone who is not similarly affected connected to the tragedy if possible.
A friend from a different social circle or even a coworker can help shed some light on the situation.
Consider Professional Help if Necessary
There’s no shame in seeking help if you have to.
And, in a sense, there is.
If you’re not familiar with how to find a mental health professional, we’ve discussed the issuehere.
We’ve also discussedhow to find help if you could’t afford traditional therapy.
In fact, it can go on for a long, long time.
Topics go beyond just the scope of suicide, but many resources relating to grief are applicable as well.
you’re free to also read stories from others who have suffered similar losses.
Photos byCathy Baird,Antoine K,Sander van der Wel.
