The loss of a loved one by suicide is often shocking, painful, and unexpected. The grief that ensues can be intense, complex, and long-term. Grief work is an extremely individual and unique process; each person will experience it in their own way and at their own pace. The resources and coping skills listed below are meant to help those survivors of suicide loss in their greatest time of need. 

In the downloadable guide, you’ll discover compassionate support and holistic healing with Jayne Madigan, your guide through the uncharted path of suicide bereavement. As a 32 year, three time survivor of suicide loss, Jayne has personally experienced your pain and will gently guide you every step of the way. As a suicide bereavement specialist and neuropsychotherapist, Jayne is passionate about helping fellow survivors find hope and healing.

Losing a loved to suicide is one is one of life's most painful experiences. The feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death of a loved one are often magnified in suicide survivors by feelings of quilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma and trauma. Furthermore, survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behaviors, as well as a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. Added to the burden is the substantial stigma, which can keep survivors away from much needed support and healing resources. Thus, survivors may require unique supportive measures and targeted treatment to cope with their loss.

One of the most important things to understand about grief is that there's no specific way to grieve, everyone grieves differently. This can also be one of the most confusing things about the grieving process.

There are usually five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But rarely do people experience these stages in the same order or for the same duration, sometimes stages are repeated.

Typically, you aren't the only one experiencing a loss. For example, the death of a family member means that the rest of your family is grieving as well. The challenge comes when you realize that everyone's grief looks different. Sometimes conflicts with friends and family members can happen because everyone grieves differently. This conflict can be frustrating and even make you feel isolated in the way that you are grieving.

What can you do to cope with that?

• Remember that there isn't a right or wrong way to feel when grieving. 

• Take time for yourself, but don't isolate yourself.

• Spend time with other friends and family to give yourself space from those who are grieving.

• Respect other people's grieving processes like you want them to respect yours.

• Find healthy ways to express your feelings.

• Take care of yourself physically. Grieving is hard work!

  Topics discussed in the guide:

• Coping With Suicide Loss

• Where Do I Start?
  Why Did This Happen?

• Suicide Bereavement 101

• What Do IDo Now?

• Handling the Holidays

• For Your Friends

• The Survivor Community
  Survivor Stories
  Helping Children Cope
  Support Groups
  International Survivors of Suicide Day Survivor Outreach Program

• Resources

• Organizations