Supporting People Through Suicide Bereavement and Unimaginable Loss

By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO)

Supporting those who are bereaved by suicide is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs a person can have. It is a privilege to be able to walk alongside someone during one of the darkest times in their life, and to help them to find their way forward. But it is also a job that can take a toll on your own mental and emotional health. Bearing witness to unimaginable grief day after day can be difficult, and it is important to take care of yourself so that you can be there for those who need you.

Here is a detailed account of what it is like to support those who are bereaved by suicide:

• It is an emotional roller coaster. One day you may be supporting someone who is feeling hopeless and despairing. The next, you may be celebrating with someone who has made a major breakthrough in their healing journey. It is important to be prepared for this emotional roller coaster and to have a support system in place for yourself.
  
  
• It is important to be patient and understanding. Grief is a complex process and there is no right or wrong way to do it. It is important to be patient and understanding with the people you are supporting and to allow them to grieve in their own way.
  
  
• It is important to be supportive and offer hope. Grief can be a lonely and isolating experience. It is important to be supportive and offer hope to the people you are supporting. Help them to know that they are not alone and that there is hope for the future.
  
  
• It is important to be respectful and non-judgmental. Everyone experiences grief differently. It is important to be respectful of the person’s grief process and to avoid judging them for their feelings or behaviours.
  
  
• It is important to take care of yourself. Supporting those who are bereaved by suicide can be difficult. It is important to take care of yourself so that you can be there for those who need you. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. It is also important to have a support system in place for yourself. Talk to your friends and family about what you are going through, and seek professional help if needed.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. Here are some tips for coping with the emotional challenges of supporting those who are bereaved by suicide:

• Talk to someone you trust. Talking to a friend, family member, therapist or other support person can help you to process your feelings and to cope with the stress of your job.
  
  
• Take breaks. It is important to step away from your work so that you can recharge and avoid burnout. Schedule time for yourself each day to relax and do something that you enjoy.
  
  
• Seek professional help. If you are struggling to cope with the emotional challenges of your job, seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor.

It is important to remember that you are making a difference in the lives of the people you support. Your work is helping them to heal and to move forward after the loss of a loved one.

If you or someone you know is bereaved by suicide, please know that there is help and support available:

Harmless and The Tomorrow Project
The Support After Suicide Partnership
AtALoss