In the aftermath of a death by suicide, loss survivors—family, friends, and others impacted—are often confronted by a complex tapestry of emotions that may feel insurmountable. This kind of grief, known as suicide loss or suicide bereavement, can be overwhelmingly intense, multifaceted, and unique to each individual. It is key that suicide loss survivors have access to the support needed to process and live through the loss.
The Complicated Nature of Suicide Grief
Understanding suicide grief is the first step toward coping with it. Grief for suicide loss survivors is often marked by an array of conflicting emotions, including shock, anger, guilt, and profound sadness. Loss survivors often grapple with “why” questions that cannot be answered, or feel a sense of guilt or responsibility for the suicide. Additionally, a portion of suicide loss survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Suicide grief is complicated not only because of its emotional depth, but also due to societal stigma attached to suicide, making it harder for loss survivors to express their feelings openly or seek support. The journey through suicide loss can feel isolating, and many have found hope and healing on the other side of this loss with the support of other loss survivors.
Strategies for Dealing with Suicide Grief
Everyone experiences grief differently and it is important to find the approaches that are most effective for you and your experience. Here are a few strategies that may help:
Acknowledge your feelings: Give yourself permission to feel and express whatever emotions come your way. Ignoring or suppressing these feelings may only prolong the grieving process.
Seek professional help: Mental health professionals are trained to help you navigate the intense emotions accompanying bereavement. They can provide tools and strategies tailored to your specific needs, and can help you find healthy ways to keep the memory of your loved one alive.
Connect with others: Isolation can intensify feelings of grief. Try to stay connected with friends and family. Share your feelings with those you trust and who can offer empathy and support.
Self-care: Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and ample sleep can help manage the physical symptoms of grief, as well as promote improved mental health. Mindfulness practices, like yoga and meditation, can also help you stay connected to your body and emotions.
Find your own pace: Everyone’s grief timeline is different. Do not rush the process or compare your journey to others’. Allow yourself the time you need to heal.
Finding Suicide Loss Support
There are many different types of resources available to support suicide loss survivors in their journey toward healing. You can find suicide loss support in these areas and more:
Support groups: There are many support groups specifically designed for suicide loss survivors. These groups offer a safe, understanding space for survivors to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive support from others who understand this kind of grief.
Online communities and resources: If in-person support feels too daunting, there are a number of online communities and forums that can provide insight and companionship in a more anonymous setting. You can also find online resourcesto help you through your loss and connect you with supportive and understanding communities.
Crisis lines: In moments of crisis or intense grief, crisis lines such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can support on the phone, through text-message, or web-based messaging) can provide immediate support.
Therapy: The process of healing from the trauma of suicide is multifaceted and layered. It is not just about managing the pain, but also about finding a new normal, learning to live with the loss, and reconstructing a meaningful life. Licensed therapists who specialize in complex grief can provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to explore these complex emotions and challenges.
Navigating suicide loss is an arduous journey, but no one has to walk this path alone. With understanding, self-care, and support, loss survivors can find their way to healing and hope.
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Donate today to support AAS’ mission to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.
The CDC Provisional 2022 Data Reports a Record High in Suicide Deaths
August 11, 2023 | Washington, DC – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released provisional data indicating that more people have died by suicide in 2022 than ever before. The data shows that approximately 49,449 people died by suicide in 2022 – which is nearly 15 deaths for every 100,000 people.
“The provisional 2022 suicide data recently shared by the CDC is concerning which is why our work is so vital,” said Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE, President & CEO of AAS. “It is important to note that while we saw a decrease just a few years ago, we have now seen a significant increase which means we need to increase the focus on mental health and wellbeing, provide pre and postvention care, and ensure all Americans are aware of the chat/text/call of 988. A recent study found 82% of US residents were unaware of 988 which means we all can do more. As the final data is released by the CDC in the coming months, we will review and work with researchers, legislators, partners, clinicians, communities, and those with lived experience to break the stigma and provide various tools, resources, and education along with a continuum of care for those impacted or at risk.”
The provisional data shows that there was a 2.6 increase from 2021 to 2022. Of the 49,449 reported deaths in 2022, 39,255 were male (2.3 increase from 2021) and 10,194 female (3.8 increase from 2021).
The 2022 suicide rate is 5% higher than 2018’s previous record high of 14.2 deaths for every 100,000 people and marks a 10% increase over the two years. More than half of deaths by suicide involve a firearm. A recent analysis by Johns Hopkins University calculated the suicides using a firearm as means rose to an all-time high. While there are other means, we need to review the data more closely to understand all of the statistics. We also know there is a role in the data collection that has yet to be fully vetted regarding opioid deaths and how they are counted.
Last month marked the first anniversary of the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. which exists for people to chat, text or call for help.
More than 1 in 5 adults described their own mental health as only “fair” or “poor,” including more than half of LGBTQ+ adults and those under 30 who say they have often been or are always depressed or lonely.
About American Association of Suicidology
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides and open the door for help for those in need. Visit the Media as Partners in Suicide Prevention: Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more details. For additional information, visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com and Stanford University’s Media and Mental Health Initiative. For crisis services anywhere in the world, please visit FindAHelpline.org and in the continental United States chat, text or call 988.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cosentino
ccosentino@suicidology.org American Association of Suicidology
Peloton Instructor Kendall Toole to Receive the First-Ever AAS Make An Impact Award by The American Association of Suicidology
NEW YORK, NY (August 9, 2023): The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) announced that Kendall Toole has been named the first recipient of the AAS Make An Impact Award. The award will be presented at the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day Benefit at The Bowery Electric (327 Bowery, New York, NY 10003) in New York City on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
The AAS Make An Impact Award is given to a high-profile individual who has used their platform to raise awareness to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, suicide prevention, and suicide ideation. Kendall is a Peloton fitness instructor, community builder, and mental health advocate. Watch Kendall’s story on The TODAY Show.
“Kendall has used her platform to talk about mental health and inspire so many people to live their best lives,” said Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAS. “It is our honor to recognize Kendall for her bravery and willingness to share her story.”
The much-anticipated event will be hosted by Maria Milito. A native New Yorker, Maria has been heard on the airwaves for more than 25 years and can currently be heard on classic rock station Q104.3.
Headlining the event will be Emily Wolfe, a triple-threat rock & roll singer-songwriter-guitarist from Austin, Texas. Emily is breathing new life into classic rock & roll with her incendiary guitar chops and original songwriting. Watch Emily’s interview with Maria Milito.
“This event will allow AAS to provide more resources and education across the country as well as reduce the stigma associated with suicide prevention and mental health,” Sherman added.
Other acts and special guests will be announced. Doors open at 7:00pm and advance tickets are $25 each ($35 at the door). This is a 21+ event.
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides and open the door for help for those in need. Visit the Media as Partners in Suicide Prevention: Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more details. For additional information, visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com and Stanford University’s Media and Mental Health Initiative. For crisis services anywhere in the world, please visit FindAHelpline.org and in the continental United States chat, text or call 988.
Chief Marketing Officer American Association of Suicidology
The American Association of Suicidology Partners with SAFLEO to Bring Effective Suicide Prevention Resources to Law Enforcement Officers
August 8, 2023 | Washington, DC – The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization, has partnered with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers (SAFLEO) Program to bring effective suicide prevention resources to law enforcement officers across the country.
The SAFLEO Program provides no-cost trainings, resources, and tailored assistance to law enforcement officers and agencies.
“We lose more officers to suicide than to on-duty traffic accidents and assaults – combined,” said Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAS. “This partnership with SAFLEO will get more life-saving resources into the hands of law enforcement officers across the country.”
SAFLEO Program Lead, Captain Brandon Post (retired), explained that “The SAFLEO mission is to provide meaningful resources to law enforcement professionals nationwide. We consider ourselves very fortunate to partner with AAS, who lends us their expertise to ensure that those resources save lives.”
According to Blue H.E.L.P., an organization that compiles information on law enforcement officers lost to suicide, the total number of officer suicides in 2022 was 170.
About American Association of Suicidology
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides and open the door for help for those in need. Visit the Media as Partners in Suicide Prevention: Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more details. For additional information, visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com and Stanford University’s Media and Mental Health Initiative. For crisis services anywhere in the world, please visit FindAHelpline.org and in the continental United States chat, text or call 988.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cosentino
ccosentino@suicidology.org American Association of Suicidology
