Bereaved by suicide

Death by suicide is particularly distressing for relatives for the following reasons:

• It is hard to take on board the level of despair and hopelessness that led to the person you cared for killing themselves.
• Maybe you feel you ought to have ‘spotted the signs' and feel guilty you didn't do more to prevent suicide. You may be constantly asking yourself ‘what if…'
• There is a stigma attached to suicide. Other relatives and friends may view the suicide as a ‘selfish' act, or feel it conflicts with their religion or values.
• There will be police involvement leading to a coroner's inquest, which is lengthy, distressing, and can cause funeral delay.
• There may be media interest, which can be very intrusive. It can make it difficult to find the space to deal with the emotional impact such a death is having on you.
• For further information and advice on how to cope see Support after Suicide.
• The Help is at Hand guide is produced by Public Health England and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance, and includes helpful advice on how to deal with the media when dealing with suicide or traumatic death.
• Finding Your Way is a directory of suicide bereavement services for Surrey and North East Hampshire.