Losing a loved one to suicide can be incredibly painful and it’s a subject that people often struggle to talk about.
The grief associated with this sort of loss can often be very complicated. Suicide is usually quite sudden, unexpected and may be violent. This can make it more traumatic compared to many other types of bereavement. Sometimes people are left asking whether they could have done anything differently.
We want to hear from readers about how to cope when someone close to you takes their own life. What helped you through the grief? Do you have any advice for others? What impact did your loved one’s death have on you? What can be done about the high suicide rate in Britain (the numbers have gone from 4,202 in 2010 to 4,820 last year)? Perhaps you want to share stories about the person you lost, and celebrate their life by telling us what they meant to you. Share your stories, comment and thoughts below.
• In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
- As this is a sensitive topic, please be reassured that we will not share or publish any personal details without obtaining contributors’ permission first.
