Bereavement by Suicide

 
 

What is bereavement by suicide?

Bereavement by suicide is a uniquely painful and complex form of grief. Alongside deep sadness, it often brings shock, guilt, anger, and unanswered questions. Many people struggle with shame or stigma, which can make grieving even more isolating.

“I kept thinking, ‘Why didn’t I see it?’ I went over every conversation again and again. It was like living with a hole I couldn’t fill.”

Different experiences of bereavement by suicide

Losing someone to suicide can leave survivors with emotional trauma as well as grief. People often replay events obsessively, searching for warning signs or missed opportunities. Even those who knew the person was struggling may feel guilt, helplessness, or responsibility. Others feel angry, abandoned, ashamed or numb.

This kind of bereavement is often complicated by stigma or silence. Friends may not know what to say. Colleagues may avoid the topic. Some families feel judged or blamed. In addition to mourning the person who died, many are left managing the impact on children, practical and legal processes, or public reactions. Without support, this grief can become stuck, leading to depression, post-traumatic stress, or prolonged grief disorder.

“Supporting someone after suicide loss means sitting with the unspeakable—and helping them find meaning and survival in the aftermath.”

Symptoms of bereavement by suicide

  • Intense guilt, shame, or self-blame
  • Repetitive rumination or “what if” thoughts
  • Traumatic memories or flashbacks
  • Feeling stigmatised or judged by others
  • Anger at the person who died or those around them
  • Emotional numbness or dissociation
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Fear of further suicide or crisis in others
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating
  • Difficulty talking about the death
Our approach
 

Our approach to treating bereavement by suicide

At Bloomfield Health, we offer trauma-informed care tailored to the unique needs of suicide loss. Our clinicians are trained to support complex grief with compassion and sensitivity. We create space for the full range of emotions—guilt, anger, sadness, confusion—without judgement. Treatment may involve bereavement counselling or CBT (including trauma-focussed CBT), depending on your needs. We walk beside you at your pace, helping you find stability, meaning, and hope in the face of unimaginable pain and loss

 

Frequently asked questions

Yes. It often includes trauma, stigma, and intense guilt. Many people feel isolated in their grief.

This is a very common feeling, but suicide is complex. We help people work through these difficult thoughts with care.

Many people hide their distress. Suicide can happen even when warning signs aren’t visible.

You can—when you’re ready. Avoiding the truth can deepen shame. We provide a safe space for these conversations.

Yes. Anger is a natural part of grief, especially after suicide. We explore this without judgement.

That’s common. We support you in navigating conversations, boundaries, and stigma.

Yes. We offer trauma-focused therapies to help with intrusive memories or PTSD symptoms.

With time, support, and space to grieve, the intensity lessens. Many people find healing and hope again.

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