Surviving Suicide Loss
If you have lost someone to suicide, you are not alone. Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022. That is one death every 11 minutes. Many adults think about suicide or attempt suicide. 13.2 million seriously thought about suicide. 3.8 million made a plan for suicide and 1.6 million attempted suicide. The tragic death by suicide leaves behind devastated families and friends. These people are known as survivors of suicide loss. It is not unusual for those to experience a wide range of feelings including grief reactions, and a depressed mood.
These feeling can include some or all of the following:
Shock and disbelief are common immediate reactions. A person may feel numb or disoriented, and may have trouble concentrating.
Symptoms of depression, including disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, intense sadness, and lack of energy, not feeling rested and unable to concentrate.
Anger towards the deceased, another family member, a therapist, or yourself.
Relief, particularly if the suicide followed a long and difficult illness.
Guilt, including thinking, "If only I had...."
These feelings usually diminish over time, you develop your ability to cope and
begin the healing process.
For more information or services in the Central Valley:
Fresno: www.fresnosos.org
National Resource: www.friendsforsurvival.org
Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss has been serving the Fresno Community since 1985. They were founded with the mission to support survivors and educate the community about suicide loss and suicide prevention. This program was adopted as part of Hinds Hospice Center for Grief and Healing in 2016, offering specialized grief and trauma counseling; support groups for adults, children, and teens; and memorial events.
