Support after a suicide

Losing someone to suicide is an incredibly painful and complex experience. You may feel a mix of emotions, including sadness, guilt, anger, and confusion. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone - help is available.

Experiencing the loss of someone to suicide can be deeply affecting, even if you didn't know the person well. Your feelings are valid, and support is available. Whether you lost someone recently, or years ago, you can always seek support from the services listed on this page.

Symptoms of grief

Grief affects everyone differently, but common emotional and physical symptoms include:

intense sadness or feelings of emptiness
guilt, self-blame, or questioning what could have been done differently
anger or frustration at the situation or others involved
anxiety or fear about the future
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
changes in appetite or sleep patterns
feeling physically unwell, exhausted, or numb
withdrawing from social activities or relationships

Coping with loss

Allow yourself to grieve - there is no right or wrong way to feel. Give yourself permission to process your emotions at your own pace.
Seek support - talking to trusted friends, family, or professionals can help you navigate your grief.
Connect with others who understand - support groups can provide a safe space to share your feelings and experiences with others who have been through similar losses.
Take care of yourself - try to maintain a routine, eat well, rest, and engage in activities that bring you comfort.

Support services

NHS Mental Health Services

Find out how to access NHS Mental health services and where to get urgent help. Call NHS 111, option 2 or visit NHS: Mental health.

If U Care Share

Offer a range of local services aimed at prevention of suicides, intervention and supporting those bereaved by suicide. Text IUCS for a free and confidential chat (in partnership with SHOUT), call 0191 387 5661 or visit If U Care Share.

Samaritans

The Samaritans has information and advice on practical support and what to do if you are not feeling okay - call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.

Support After Suicide Partnership

Brings services together to make sure everyone bereaved by suicide is offered appropriate support.

The Support After Suicide: Help is at Hand includes information on understanding what you may be feeling and what may be happening. The guide also includes helpful information for people connected to the person and how to support someone who has been bereaved by suicide.

Papyrus

A charity dedicated to preventing suicide and promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing - call 0800 068 4141 or visit Papyrus.

The Papyrus: Understanding Suicide Bereavement and Grief includes understanding that suicide bereavement is different and the stages of grief.

Calm: Campaign against living miserably

Access the helpline to talk and find support. 5.00pm to midnight, 365 days a year - call 08000 58 58 58 or visit Campaign Against Living Miserably.

Bereavement support

Our Bereavement support page offers someone useful information and support to help you and your family, including supporting children with bereavement.