You Are Not Alone: 5 Ways Grief Counselling Can Support with a Sudden Loss from Suicide, Advice From a Calgary-Based Counsellor

Trigger warning: This blog post discusses sensitive topics such as suicide and grief. If you or someone you know is experiencing urgent thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the US or Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 in Canada.

“Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them." - Leo Tolstoy

Introduction

If you've found this blog because you're looking for comfort after losing a loved one to suicide, first and foremost, our team at Shelly Qualtieri Counselling & Associates wants to offer our deepest condolences. Losing someone to suicide is an incredibly difficult experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, alone, and unsure of how to move forward. While the pain you’re experiencing might feel deeply isolating, please know that you are not alone in your grief. According to the World Health Organization, 700,000 people die from suicide every year, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year olds worldwide. Regardless of what you’re feeling, remember that there is support there for you. 

Losing someone to suicide is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. It can be an overwhelming and isolating experience that may leave you feeling lost, helpless, and alone, but getting professional help can make a huge difference in the healing process. Grief counseling is an invaluable resource for anyone who has lost a loved one through the act of suicide. Let’s dive into this further below, but as you read, remember that healing takes time and that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage.

How long does grief last?

When someone you care about takes their own life, the pain of loss can feel like it will never end. It is natural to experience intense and complicated grief because it can be difficult to make sense of the sudden loss and the emotions that come with it. While time may help lessen the pain, the healing process may be uncomfortably long, and it may require more support and guidance to learn to live with the loss.

As a team of Calgary-based counsellors with experience in grief counselling, trauma counselling, and depression counselling, we want to let you know that we are here for you through the process. To help support you through this further, we would like to share five tangible ways grief counselling can assist you during this trying time.

Five Ways Grief Counselling Can Help

Grief Counselling Provides a Safe and Supportive Space

1. Grief counselling provides a secure setting in which there is no element of judgement, making it possible for you to open up about your emotions, thoughts, and fears without the risk of being misunderstood or criticised. A professional counsellor can guide you through the maze of feelings you're experiencing and give you a safe space to work through the pain.

Grief Counselling Helps You Manage Your Emotions

1. In Grief Counselling Sessions, we will be there to help you learn strategies to cope with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, and find ways to deal with the overwhelming sense of loss.

Grief Counselling Supports Your Healing Process

1. The road to recovery can be a long and arduous one in the aftermath of a suicide. Counselling for grief can provide you with support as you move through the various stages of grief and help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. Eventually with time you will learn to live with your loss and find meaning in life again.

Grief Counselling Provides Tools for Self-Care

1. Grief counselling can teach you how to care for yourself during this challenging time so that you can focus on healing. You will learn how to identify your needs and develop routines for self-care, which will assist you in managing your feelings and keeping a grounded perspective.

Grief Counselling Offers Ongoing Support

1. Grief doesn't end after a few counselling sessions. A counsellor can provide ongoing support throughout your healing process. They can help you navigate the different stages and provide tools to manage your emotions, even after the counselling sessions are over.

Conclusion and Affirmation for Grief

If you have lost someone to suicide and need support, we are here to help. As a team of grief counsellors based in Calgary, we have helped many people navigate the aftermath of suicide and find a way to move forward. Whether you need grief counselling, trauma counselling, or both, we’re here for you. 

Lastly, we want to leave you with an affirmation you can say when the grief begins to take over. Repeat this affirmation daily, and believe in yourself and your ability to heal. 

“I acknowledge my pain and grief, but I also acknowledge my strength and resilience in the face of this tragedy. I will seek support and take care of myself during this difficult time.”

Please don't suffer in silence. Reach out for help and support. Call us for a consultation today. Together, we can help you find a way forward even amidst the storm.