Global Grief Network logoGGN Grief After Suicide, Overdose and Traumatic Loss
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 2 of 6

Grief After a Suicide Loss

About 1 hour

If you or someone you know may be in danger right nowCall 988Text 988Immediate danger: call 911

988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.

Lessons in this module
  1. Common experiences
  2. The why questions
  3. Not to blame
  4. Support for survivors

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Common experiences

People grieving a suicide loss often feel shock, deep sadness, guilt, anger, rejection, and a powerful need to understand why. Many also feel isolated if others avoid the subject.

The why questions

Why did this happen? What did I miss? These questions are natural. Suicide comes from many factors that build over time, and no single person, conversation, or moment explains it. Some questions may never be fully answered, and it is possible to find peace even with questions.

Not to blame

Loss survivors are not to blame. Looking back, people often see signs they could not have understood at the time. Hindsight is not the same as having known.

Support for survivors

Survivor support groups, faith communities, trusted friends, and licensed professionals can help. If a loss survivor has thoughts of suicide themselves, they can call or text 988 anytime. Reaching out is a sign of strength.

GGN reminder: If you are grieving a suicide loss, you are not alone and you are not to blame. Help is available, and many people find their way to hope again.
GGN practiceA note of compassion (about 10 minutes)

Write a short note to yourself, or to a loss survivor you know, offering the same compassion you would offer a dear friend. Include the words you are not to blame. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 2.1: What did I miss?

Months after her son died by suicide, Helen kept rereading his texts, searching for what she missed. Her friend Rosa sat with her one afternoon.

Questions to consider:

  1. What might Helen need?
  2. What could Rosa say?

Discussion: Helen needs compassion, not answers. Rosa could say, "You loved him so much. You are not to blame. I am here, and I want to hear about him." Rosa could also share information about survivor support groups.

Reflection Prompts

  1. How would you respond to a loss survivor's why questions?
  2. What might help ease guilt?
  3. Where could a loss survivor find support in your community?

Module 2 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.