Every grief has its own unique complications.  Whatever the mourner struggles with most emotionally, mentally, physically or spiritually is that mourner’s  grief complicator(s).

But for the thousands of mourners affected by the estimated 32,000 suicides a year in the U.S. the grief of suicide is uniquely complicated.    For survivors of suicide grief can be overwhelming and the healing process particularly challenging.

While grief can lack a predictable pattern or timetable, there are elements that are often shared by survivors as they work through the trauma of loss by suicide.

Shock

Often survivors’ initial reaction is shock and disbelief. Denial allows the mourner to accept the reality of the loss that they can at that time.  Gradually, recognition and acceptance of the reality sets in, though for some, shock is experienced repeatedly as the survivor bounces back and forth from recognition to denial.

Anger

Many survivors feel angry at the loved…