Today we remember those we’ve lost and how to bring ourselves to carry on where they would have wanted us today.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is a day marked every year on the third Saturday in November where we show support and compassion to those who are still hurt from this loss.
We’ll be diving into the weight of emotions suicide takes on us and how we can still bring hope to those who have been impacted by this event.
The Emotional Weight of Suicide Loss
It’s not easy losing someone so soon, it always brings forth a storm of complicated emotions to grapple with.
We might be asking ourselves “Could I have done more?” or “Why didn’t I see the signs?”
Dealing with the aftermath of suicide loss is complicated. But it’s important to know that you are not alone when dealing with it, and there are always others to lean on in such times.
For example, our patient Jonathan shared that participating in support groups was a turning point for him. “It made it a lot easier to deal with when I had others who went through the same thing,” he said. “I was filled with hope for better days.”
Fostering Hope
Finding hope when there seems to be none can be a daunting task for some.
However, it’s important to remember that healing and recovery are possible. Survivors may never fully ‘move on,’ but they can move forward.
Survivors often find solace in connecting with others who have gone through a similar loss. A few ways they can foster hope are:
- Self-Care: Encourage survivors to prioritize self-care, which can include exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. These practices can help manage the stress and emotional toll of grief.
- Remembering the Loved One: Create meaningful rituals to honor the memory of the person lost to suicide. This may include creating a memorial, participating in charity events, or sharing stories about their life.
- Support Networks: Encourage survivors to lean on their support networks, whether it’s family, friends, or support groups. Connecting with others who understand their experience can provide much-needed comfort.
- Advocacy: Many survivors channel their grief into advocacy work, raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. This can help create a positive impact and bring hope to others.
- Professional Help: It’s crucial to emphasize the value of professional mental health support. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore and process the complex emotions that arise from suicide loss.
Mental health professionals play a vital role in helping survivors cope with the challenges they face losing a loved one too soon.
Therapy, support groups, and counseling can offer a safe space to explore and process the weight of suicide loss. Words of encouragement go a long way, but survivors of suicide loss will still need expert intervention to reclaim their lives.
We at Mid Cities Psychiatry encourage those grappling with suicide loss to reach out to mental health professionals who can provide the necessary guidance and support.
For more handy guides on routines that improve your state of mental well-being, visit us at Mid Cities Psychiatry and we would be happy to tell you more!