Suicide bereavement is one of the most intensely painful experiences a person can ever undergo. The pain can be so overwhelming that a person’s natural reaction may be to isolate themselves and turn off their emotions. Others may experience intense anger, guilt, shame, fear, denial, sadness, and/or depression. Some survivors contemplate suicide themselves.

Stigma surrounding suicide can make it difficult to talk about the issue, and to offer support to those who are grieving. Here some things you can say/do that might be helpful to a suicide survivor:

• Respect the timing and pacing of an individual’s grief process. It is a difficult journey. Encourage them to make choices that are right for them.
• Offer compassionate listening, understanding and patience.
• Be courageous. Approach those that have lost a loved one by suicide. Let them know you heard about their loved one’s death. Ask them how they really are. This is important even if it has been some time since the actual death.  
• Offer to do some specific tasks or chores.
• Reassure survivors that what they are feeling is normal.
• Find out what supports are available in the community regarding suicide loss. Offer referrals to a mental health professional, spiritual mentor, and/or to a suicide bereavement support group in your area.
• Research the impact of suicide loss. This will help you provide support to survivors in healthy ways.
• Call the Manitoba Suicide Line and speak to a counsellor for more practical suggestions on what you can say or do to support a survivor of a suicide loss.