A
Anger
Feeling anger and hostility towards the person that died by suicide, the world around you or the situation on a whole is a very natural human response to hurt, sadness or shock. Anger can feel all-consuming when you’re in a rage or heavy when it's a persistent unresolved emotion we carry for a long period of time. All emotions and reactions are valid, acknowledging difficult emotions to yourself and the people around you can help you process them.
Abandonment
Goodbyes are hard. Permanent goodbyes in grief are even harder! When we lose someone to suicide it’s very easy to feel like we’ve been left behind and that it’s a feeling that you should sit with. Feeling like you were abandoned by a trusted figure in your life can impact on other aspects of your life if you allow it to. Remember that this is an isolated situation and they didn’t leave you behind, they were trying to leave the pain that they were experiencing which was not your fault.
Acceptance
Events happen which are out of our control, we can only be held accountable for our own actions, not the actions of others. Death is final and accepting that you have lost someone to suicide is very important when finding a way forward. Acceptance should always be on your own terms, don’t feel pressure to accept the realities of your loss too soon.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a word which is casually used a lot in modern society, recognising that there is a difference between clinically diagnosed anxiety and feeling anxious is really important. A sudden loss or trauma can cause anxiety or feelings of anxiousness as you navigate your grief. Listening to how you feel and openly labelling how you feel in conversations can help others understand your feelings and your behaviour. There are some amazing tools to help if you’re feeling anxious that you can find on our Help Hub.