Surviving a Suicide Loss  |  Resource and Healing Guide
4
Coping with Suicide Loss
Where Do I Start?
If you have lost someone to suicide, the first 
thing you should know is that you are not alone. 
Each year, nearly 50,000 people in the United States die by suicide 
— and the grieving family and friends they leave behind are known 
as suicide loss survivors. In fact, research shows that during the 
course of our lives, many of us will be touched by suicide. That means 
there are millions of suicide loss survivors who, like you, are trying 
to cope with this heartbreaking loss. 
What kinds of emotions am I likely to feel in the days and 
weeks after losing someone to suicide?
Everyone experiences suicide loss in their own way, so there is no 
list of emotions that will exactly fit your experience.
However, many people who have lived through the suicide of 
a loved one experience some combination of the following 
feelings and grief responses:
•	 Shock
•	 Denial and disbelief
•	 Grief
•	 Rejection and abandonment
•	 Anger
•	 Guilt
•	 Blame and self-recrimination
•	 Confusion
•	 Relief
•	 Betrayal
•	 Shame and embarrassment

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