Grief after suicide is a complex and deeply painful process, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, disbelief, and a desperate need to understand why it happened . This type of loss carries a unique emotional burden, as it is often surrounded by silence, stigma, and loneliness.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Grief after suicide can be filled with questions, guilt, and feelings of isolation.
This loss generates emotions such as disbelief, guilt, and a constant search for answers that don't always come. Social stigma can increase loneliness, making it difficult to express grief.

However, talking with trusted people and acknowledging your emotions are key steps toward healing. Although grief from suicide is unique, with time and support, you can move forward.

Grief due to illness has particularities that make it unique.

How does this type of loss affect?

Unanswered questions:

Many families get caught in a spiral of questions: "Why didn't I see this coming?" or "What could I have done to prevent it?" These questions can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that suicide is no one's responsibility but the person who decides to commit it.

Blame:

Guilt is one of the most common emotions in grief over suicide. You may feel responsible for not having noticed the signs or done more, but it's essential to understand that everyone makes their own decisions, and it's not your fault.

Social stigma:

Suicide is often surrounded by silence and judgment, which can leave families feeling isolated. This stigma can make it difficult to seek support, but talking about the loss is an important step toward healing.

Pain and disbelief:

The sudden departure and circumstances of suicide can cause profound emotional shock, making it difficult to accept what happened. This pain is normal and should be processed with time and patience.

How to Accompany this Type of Grief

Grief after suicide requires compassion, patience, and safe support.
Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judging them or rushing to "get over" the grief. Talking with others and breaking the silence can ease the emotional burden.

Remember that suicide is not your responsibility. Release the guilt and honor your child with symbolic acts. If the pain is too great, seek professional help. You don't have to do it alone.

Try to keep in mind

Recognize your emotions:

Sadness, guilt, anger, and even relief are normal reactions. Allow yourself to feel each emotion without judgment; they all have a place in your healing process.

Talk about your loss with people you trust:

Although it may seem difficult, sharing your experience with friends, family, or support groups can help ease the emotional burden. Talking breaks the stigma and opens the door to understanding.

Free yourself from guilt

Suicide is a personal decision that is not in the hands of others. Remembering this can help ease the burden of guilt and help you move forward in your process.

Seek professional help:

The support of a therapist specializing in suicide grief can be essential to processing your deepest emotions and managing the complexity of this loss.

Perform symbolic acts in memory of your child:

Creating a memorial space, writing a letter, or engaging in activities that symbolize their legacy can help you honor their life and find solace.

Resources and Support

At El Toque de los Ángeles , we provide you with specific resources to help you through your grieving process:

Voices of Strength and Hope

  • Dora, Santiago's mother, 17 years old

    After losing my son, guilt and questions kept me from moving forward. In support groups, I found people who understood my pain, and I learned to release that burden so I could remember my son with love, not guilt.

  • Luisa, Juliana's mother, 21 years old

    The silence and judgment of others made me feel more alone than ever. Here, I found a space where I could speak freely about my daughter and my journey, and that made all the difference in my healing.

  • Adriana, Camilo's mother, 25 years old

    I felt like I would never understand why my son made that decision. Thanks to the support I received, I understood that I didn't have all the answers, but that doesn't mean I didn't love him enough. Today, I honor his life with small acts of love.

We accompany you with love and understanding in these times of pain.

We know grief can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to carry it alone . This space is for you: a place where you'll find comfort, understanding, and a support network made up of people who understand what you're going through a little better, from their own experiences.

Find out how we can help you