Bereavement by suicide is very different from any other bereavement, giving rise to all the emotions following any loss, alongside many other emotions.
Since the death is self chosen and self inflicted, there are the unanswered and unanswerable questions of why? and sometimes how? and also if only? and what if?
It is important to remember that:
- the process is unique to you
- the emotions experienced are a natural part of the journey you will make
- you are the only person who knows how you feel
You may be struggling with feelings of Emptiness, Guilt, Anger, Despair, Isolation, Shame, Depression, Abandonment, Helplessness, Disorientation, Stigma and Disbelief. These are normal feelings but they can seem overwhelming and distressing.
Locally in West Dunbartonshire as part of the local Choose Life Action Plan we are planning a local group for people who have been bereaved through suicide. The group will be confidential and offer emotional support for anyone who has experienced the loss of a person close to them - husband, wife, partner, child, family or friend through suicide.
The group hopes to help you share experiences and stories, and to talk about your feelings - knowing that others will understand and not judge. You will be able to take things at your own pace and you won't have to speak in the group unless or until you feel comfortable to do so.
The group will run in the evenings for six sessions over 12 weeks
- Each session will last for one and a half hours
- The group will meet at a central location in Dumbarton
- The size of the group will be between 4 and 8 people, plus two facilitators
- It is intended that groups will be run on a regular basis
If you want more information about the group please contact Dianne Markham on 0141 951 6234 or Judith Shaw on 07919 318453, 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Other Sources of help:
SAMH have produced a booklet with information and advice for people bereaved by suicide. The booklet was inspired by families who contacted the SAMH information service for advice and information.
SAMH Information Service
By telephone: 0141 568 7000
By email : info@samh.org.uk
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) offer emotional and practical support to people bereaved by suicide. You can contact them :
By telephone : national helpline 0870 241 3337
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland offers free bereavement care and support through one to one counselling or local support groups to find out about the availability of services contact the National Office :
By telephone : 01738 444 178
Website : www.crusescotland.org.uk
Samaritans provide confidential emotional support 24 hours a day for people who are feeling distressed or need to talk to someone.
You can contact them :
By telephone : national helpline 08457 90 90 90
local branch 0141 248 4488
For more information please contact:
Rona Slevin
Choose Life Development Officer
By telephone : 0141 951 6136
By email : Rona.Slevin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
