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How to Cope After a Loved One Dies by Suicide

Are you trying to cope after losing a loved one to suicide? Learn about coping strategies that can help you ease into a new normal and get past grief.
How to Cope After a Loved One Dies by Suicide
Despaired gray-haired man in glasses sitting on sofa and leaning on hand while coping with emotions.

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Suicide may seem extreme, but it’s all too common in the U.S. It’s so common suicide is considered a leading cause of death. In 2020 alone 46,000 people died by suicide. Sadly, that number pales in comparison to the 1.83 million people who attempted suicide. 

There’s growing concern over the dramatic uptick in deaths by suicide, which have increased by 33% over the last 20 years. Medical experts are concerned with identifying risk factors and causes for suicide, but the affect on suicide survivors is something else of concern. When someone close to you dies by suicide it can very traumatic. It can leave loved ones with questions that can’t be answered, and a sense that the tragedy could have been avoided.

It’s not uncommon for the loved ones and friends of someone who died by suicide to experience high levels of distress. For many people, it’s the most challenging experience of their life. While it will take time to process what’s occurred and fully heal, there are coping strategies that can help you along the way.

Understand Mental Health Was Likely the Driving Factor

Often suicide survivors are left with mixed emotions that can make it difficult to cope with the loss. There may be many unanswered questions and even feelings of abandonment. It’s not uncommon for survivors to want to know why the suicide happened or what they could have done to prevent it. 

While you may not ever get clear answers to your questions, the CDC estimates that 46% of deaths by suicide involve people with a known mental illness. However, psychological autopsy research has shown that overall 91% of deaths by suicide can be attributed to mental health conditions. The mental illnesses with the biggest risk factor for suicide include depression, psychosis and substance use disorders.

Many times a person who dies by suicide actually had a comorbid mental disorder, which means more than one condition existed simultaneously. It’s believed that comorbid disorders are a factor in 38% of suicides. 

Illness is usually the cause for suicide, not any shortcoming of your loved one or you. The symptoms of the illness were the real catalyst.

Know That You Aren’t Alone

Suicide is a mental health issue with a ripple effect that touches so many more people than the person with the disorder. A survey on exposure to suicide revealed that nearly half of all Americans know someone who died by suicide. Suicide exposure is the term used to describe someone who knows a person who has died by suicide. 

The research also revealed that people who are exposed to suicide have higher rates of anxiety and depression. Suicide-exposed individuals are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression. It also quadruples the odds of PTSD in people who were very close to someone who died by suicide. 

This is important because it shows that you aren’t alone in what you are experiencing. The extreme emotions, including anger and confusion, are normal for many survivors. Millions of others have suffered the same type of loss and understand what you are going through. 

Get Support For Yourself

The trauma of losing a loved one to suicide can cause you to experience mental distress yourself to the point you may also have suicidal ideation. Having thoughts of suicide doesn’t mean that you’ll go through with it, but it is a clear sign you need support. 

One of the best things you can do is seek out help if you are having difficulty coping with the death. Support can come in many forms:

  • A close confidant that you trust.
  • A therapist or counselor.
  • Special support groups for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. 
  • Grief and loss support groups.
  • A spiritual advisor at your church or temple. 

You can also call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support 24 hours a day, every day of the year.


The respectful team at Green Cremation Texas honors the deceased regardless of the circumstances surrounding their death. If you need help arranging an eco-friendly cremation, we’re available to provide personal assistance 24/7.

Marlaena Gonzales

Marlaena Gonzales

Funeral Director
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