child loss, bereavement, tcf canada, tcf, compassionate friends, grief, grieving
Grieving a Suicide Involves...
Everything that is involved in grieving a sudden, unexpected death.
It often includes:
factors which make it difficult for the survivors to accept the death or acknowledge the fact that it was a suicide.
► trauma, stigma, and shame that may be associated with suicide are "roadblocks" to mourning.
● a "why?" that may never go away.
● intensified guilt.
► especially for surviving parents; we are hard wired to protect our children. (the “if only's...” the “I should have’s...”)
● Paranoia for surviving children and loved ones.
● Intensified anger, disappointment and sadness
► “you chose death over living with me/us...”
► “you left our lives in shambles”
► “you never told me/us how much you hurt”
● Manifestations of grief that can create additional losses
► example: economic loss-due to inability to do one's work.
A questioning and reorganizing of one's world view/belief system/ spirituality/faith in God/expectations.
Article by Ken
Westereng, (B.A., M. Div.)
Chaplain / Grief Counsellor
Office: 250 762 2299
Kelowna, BC