Michael Hansen, Director | Talkspace
Grieving after a suicide loss is a complex and isolating experience, according to mental health professionals at Talkspace. The organization highlights that coping with this type of grief often involves navigating unpredictable emotions such as anger, guilt, shame, or even relief.
“There’s no ‘right’ way to experience suicide grieving,” said Famous Erwin, LMHC, LPC, a therapist at Talkspace. “When someone loses a person to suicide, they may feel a range of emotions such as anger, guilt, relief (especially if they believe the person was suffering), or confusion because nothing seems to make sense. It’s important to let them know that these emotions are normal and do not mean they are a bad person. Grief is not simple, and there is no one right way to feel. When a person expresses their emotions, it reveals what’s going on inside them—and that’s a key part of healing.”
Talkspace therapists encourage those grieving to give themselves permission to feel whatever arises without judgment and stress the importance of self-compassion throughout the process. Erwin added: “As a counselor, I often encourage clients to begin by naming the uncertainty they’re sitting with. Acknowledging ‘I don’t have all the answers’ can ease the pressure to resolve the unresolvable. I help them practice self-compassion and focus on what they can control, like daily structure or meaningful routines, while gently normalizing that some questions, especially in grief may remain unanswered. Together, we explore ways to stay grounded in the present moment, create meaning in small ways, and lean into safe relationships for support and healing.”
The American Psychological Association recommends talking openly about both memories and emotions related to the deceased loved one as an essential step in processing loss.
Creating rituals or tributes—such as annual gatherings or personal acts of remembrance—can also provide comfort by honoring positive memories.
Self-care remains critical during bereavement; even basic activities like eating regular meals or getting adequate rest can be difficult but necessary steps toward recovery.
Support from others who have experienced similar losses can help reduce feelings of isolation. Research shows that participants in peer support groups for suicide bereavement report reduced grief symptoms and improved overall well-being.
Professional guidance is another resource available for survivors struggling with intense emotions following suicide loss. “With suicide loss survivors, I often use a combination of grief-focused therapy and trauma-informed care to help them process complex emotions like guilt, anger, and confusion. Techniques like narrative therapy allow clients to share their story and find meaning while grounding exercises help manage overwhelming feelings. I also emphasize creating a safe nonjudgmental space where all emotions are valid and healing can unfold at the client’s pace,“ said Erwin.
Experts caution that healing takes time; complicated grief lasting more than one year may require additional therapeutic intervention.
Taking occasional breaks from focusing on grief through activities unrelated to mourning is encouraged as part of ongoing self-care.
Talkspace offers online counseling services tailored for those experiencing loss due to suicide. The organization connects individuals with licensed therapists specializing in grief so they can begin working toward recovery.