Treating Complicated Grief in Suicide Survivors

When a loved one dies by suicide it is extremely painful for those left behind. Suicide places many burdens upon surviving friends and family members. For instance, suicide survivors often feel plagued by unanswered questions, a sense of guilt or responsibility for the death, and feelings of rejection by the deceased. Many suicide survivors experience social stigma and shame not experienced by other mourners. These emotions can interfere with mourning and lead to complicated grief.

The Treating Complicated Grief in Suicide Survivors Pilot Study is funded by a grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We are enrolling a group of suicide survivors with complicated grief into the HEAL Study in order to examine how they respond to treatment compared to people who have symptoms of complicated grief after other kinds of losses. The three other sites conducting the HEAL Study are also enrolling individuals into the Treating Complicated Grief in Suicide Survivors Study.

As much as you may try to deny it, the human spirit will survive as long as you let it.” Patricia