Helping Suicide loss Survivors

Survivors of suicide loss often face overwhelming emotions that challenge their ability to function and process daily life. Families experience intense shock and disbelief, struggling to understand why their loved one made such a devastating and irreversible choice. Friends may feel helpless and heartbroken, unsure how to offer comfort while coping with their own grief. Communities can unite in compassionate support, providing resources and guidance to help survivors navigate the long and painful healing process.

Problems which may exacerbate issues:

Destructive Coping Strategies – Destructive coping strategies are harmful behaviours people adopt to numb or escape emotional pain, such as substance abuse or isolation. These actions may provide short-term relief but often intensify feelings of grief, guilt, or hopelessness over time. Left unaddressed, such strategies can damage mental health, relationships, and the overall recovery process for suicide loss survivors.
Hiding The Pain – Hiding the pain after losing someone to suicide can lead survivors to suppress emotions instead of processing them. This emotional avoidance often increases feelings of isolation, anxiety, and unresolved grief over time. Without expressing their struggles, survivors may find it harder to seek help, delaying healing and prolonging emotional distress.
Denial of The Feelings – Many survivors initially refuse to accept the reality of their loved one’s death, using denial as a coping mechanism to avoid intense emotional pain.
Developing Addictive Behaviours – Some may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive habits as a way to temporarily numb overwhelming feelings and escape painful memories.
Blaming Family Members for death & Overworking (Burnout) – Grief can sometimes manifest as misplaced anger toward relatives, creating conflict and guilt, while others may immerse themselves excessively in work to distract from sorrow, ultimately risking emotional and physical exhaustion.

Final Thoughts on Helping Suicide loss Survivors

Ultimately, after the death of a loved one, bereavement often begins with intense shock and emotional numbness. Consequently, feelings of anguish and despair may surface but can gradually lessen over time. However, for those who have lost someone to suicide, the shift from acute grief to integrated grief often takes longer. Therefore, internalised grief emerges when the individual acknowledges their loss and the grieving they have endured. As a result, they may feel ready to return to work and re-engage socially. In conclusion, this process reflects the gradual rebuilding of life and the ability to seek companionship and love again.

Check out Part 2/2 for more information about survivors of suicide.

Written by Karl Grech

Karl Grech is a counsellor. He offers counselling to both individuals and couples within Willingness. He can be contacted on karl@willingness.com.mt.