Surviving a Suicide Loss  |  Resource and Healing Guide
9
Some suicide loss survivors struggle with what to tell other people.
Although you should make whatever decision feels right to you, 
most survivors have found it best to simply acknowledge that their 
loved one died by suicide.
•	 You may find that it helps to reach out to family and friends
•	 Because some people may not know what to say, you may 
need to take the initiative to talk about the suicide, share 
your feelings, and ask for their help
•	 Even though it may seem difficult, maintaining contact with 
other people is especially important during the stress-filled 
months after a loved one’s suicide
Keep in mind that each person grieves in his or her own way; for 
example, some people visit the cemetery weekly, while others 
find it too painful to go at all. Each person also grieves at their 
own pace; there is no set rhythm or timeline for healing. You may 
experience unexpected waves of sadness — these are a normal 
part of the grieving process.
•	 Some loss survivors find comfort in community, religious, or 
spiritual activities, including talking to a trusted peer or leader
•	 Many loss survivors use the arts to help them heal, by keeping 
a journal or writing poetry or music
•	 Try to take care of your own well-being; consider visiting your 
doctor for a checkup
•	 Be kind to yourself; When you feel ready, begin to go on with 
your life; eventually starting to enjoy life again is not a betrayal 
of your loved one, but rather a sign that you’ve begun to heal
Additional resources are available:
afsp.org/taking-care-of-yourself
afsp.org/after-a-loss-practical-information

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