Survivors of Suicide – Tucson

Surviving the suicide of a loved one is one of the most difficult things anyone will ever face. The grief that comes with suicide is painfully unique. The sense of unreality during the first months is profound and every aspect of us is forever changed. So be sure to brace yourself for the power of emotions that will come your way.

The immediate emotional response after a suicide often includes:

• Shock. Disbelief and emotional numbness may set in. It’s hard to accept a sudden and traumatic death, even if it may have been preceded by suicidal behavior or talk. You may think that this couldn’t have happened, that it’s not real, or that it’s only a nightmare and when you wake up, things will be OK.
• Confusion. You may not understand why your loved one died this way. Some people who take their own life don’t offer any signs that they’re considering suicide, so you may find it hard to reconcile the person you knew with the actions he or she took. You may repeatedly ask, "Why?"
• Anger. It’s natural to feel anger about many different things after a suicide. People who were in contact with your loved one near the time of the suicide — doctors, police, emergency workers, therapists, friends or family — can become objects of your anger or rage. You may feel that they let your loved one down, missed clues about suicidal intentions, or could have prevented the death. You may direct your anger at yourself, too. And you may also become angry with your loved one, feeling cheated, abandoned or left with a legacy of suffering and inconsolable grief.
• Despair. Sadness, depression and a sense of defeat or hopelessness can grip you. You may even consider suicide yourself.
• Grief. Sorrow and anguish run deep as you mourn the loss of your loved one’s life, and mourn for yourself, as well.
• Guilt. Survivors often initially think they could have done something to prevent a suicide. You may replay "what if" and "if only" scenarios in your mind, blaming yourself for your loved one’s death. You may also feel guilty about your interactions with your loved one, regretting an angry phone call, long-ago childhood teasing or postponed get-togethers. You may also feel embarrassed and ashamed that a loved one has committed suicide.

Friends and family who experience the death of someone to suicide do not have to suffer alone and in silence. Survivors of Suicide Tucson offers caring persons to provide support and acceptance for those who lost someone to suicide. Come to the meetings and learn how to grieve in healthy ways.

Meetings are first and third Thursday of each month 6:30-8:00pm 2700 E Speedway Catalina Methodist church building H-30