While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, you may need help from others.

Grief from a suicide loss is unique and complicated. You may experience intense feelings of shock, despair, fear, anger, relief, guilt, or shame. These feelings are normal, even if they are directed at the person who died and do not mean you did not love them.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides practical information for suicide loss survivors, including questions you might have in the immediate aftermath of your loss, resources for survivors, and strategies for taking care of yourself.

While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, sometimes the grief can be so overpowering it becomes unhealthy and you may need help from a grief counselor or support group. Children also grieve differently than adults and may need specialized help to cope with the loss in a way that is developmentally appropriate for their age. Suicide grief support groups allow you to share your story and talk openly about suicide with people who really understand. It’s important you reach out for support and help if you are struggling.

Peer Support

Healing conversations
​Healing Conversations gives those who have lost someone to suicide the opportunity to talk with and receive emotional support from experienced volunteers. These volunteers have experienced suicide loss themselves, and know firsthand the pain associated with this type of loss. They can help provide guidance and empathy, and share useful community resources. Conversations are made available in person, on the phone or by video chat.
Friends for survival 
FFS is a national non-profit bereavement outreach organization available to those who are grieving a suicide death of family or friends.  We also assist professionals who work with those who are grieving a suicide tragedy.  Friends For Survival, organized by and for survivors, has been offering suicide bereavement support services since 1983.   All staff and volunteers have been directly impacted by a suicide death. ​

Professional Support

Grief consultation
The National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare (NRC) is a leading resource in the United States for suicide prevention and postvention care. NRC is dedicated to reaching out to those whose lives have been impacted by suicide and connecting them to the best available resources. Families who have experienced a loss through suicide will receive unparalleled support from NRC while they navigate their grief.  ​
Bereavment therapy
Bereavement therapy is a specialized type of therapy for someone who has suffered a loss and is undergoing the process of grief. Those who have lost a loved one to suicide will want to meet with a clinician who is knowledgeable about bereavement after suicide and able to provide grief therapy specifically for these survivors.

Suicide Loss Resource Downloads - English 

aFTER A SUICIDE - aMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION 
sUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS - NEVADA OFFICE OF SUICIDE PREVENTION 
RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS TOOLKIT - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDOLOGY 
sos: A HANDBOOK FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE - aMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDOLOGY 
SURVIVING A SUICIDE LOSS: a RESOURCE AND HEALING GUIDE - AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE DIES BY SUICIDE - FRIENDS FOR SURVIVAL 
SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS - AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION 
cHILDREN, TEENS, AND SUICIDE LOSS - AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION 
sURVIVOR'S BILL OF RIGHTS - FRIENDS FOR SURVIVAL 
SELF CARE STRATEGIES FOR RESILIENCE - AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION 

Recursos De Pérdida Por Suicidio - Español

Sos: Sobravivientes de un suicida - asociacion americana de sucidologia
Niñas adolescentes y suicidio - ​Fundación Americana para la Prevención del Suicidio
​Después de un suicidio - ​FUNDACIÓN AMERICANA PARA LA PREVENCIÓN DEL SUICIDIO
Apoyo a los sobrevivientes de pérdidas por suicidio -  ​FUNDACIÓN AMERICANA PARA LA PREVENCIÓN DEL SUICIDIO