Helping Someone who has
Lost a Loved One to Suicide

• listening – let them talk
• Surround them with as much love and understanding as you can
• accepting their rage, guilt, depression, self-centredness and blame-placing without judging him/her
• letting them cry
• not asking “why” or if there was anything that could have been done
• encouraging them to talk about the death with any children – for they too need help.
• mentioning the loved one by name
• including them in your normal activities
• realising that working through grief can take years and that the hurt is never forgotten
• urging them to wait before making any major changes such as moving, giving away possessions or quitting a job
• allow them to express as much grief as they are feeling at the moment and are willing to share
• give special attention to the other members of the family at the funeral and in the months to come
• suggesting joining a support group