I lost someone by suicide and my pain is so unbearable. How can I work through it?
Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “The act of taking one’s life is truly a tragedy because this single act leaves so many victims: first the one who dies, then the dozens of others—family and friends—who are left behind, some to face years of deep pain and confusion” (“Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not,” Ensign, Oct. 1987, 7).
As a suicide survivor (someone who has lost a loved one by suicide), you may be struggling with intense feelings of shock, guilt, anger, or confusion. How you cope with this tragedy will greatly influence your overall mental health and spiritual well-being. Remember, the Savior has promised that you can find the peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) as you seek His help in your grieving process. Prayerfully consider and use the resources around you. Examples include seeking priesthood blessings, attending the temple, counseling with your bishop or a mental health professional, attending a support group for survivors, reading good books, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Church and Community Resources
(Some of the resources listed below are not created, maintained, or controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While these materials are intended to serve as additional resources, the Church does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with its doctrines and teachings.)
- “The Healing Power of Grief,” Steven Eastmond, Ensign, Jan. 2014, 63–65
- “Sustained by God’s Love,” Suzanne Lutz, Ensign, July 2015, 14–15
- “Saved after My Daughter’s Suicide,” Le Etta Thorpe, Ensign, Sept. 2017, 67–69; or Liahona, Sept. 2017, 35–37
- “Mental Health,” LDS.org
- “4 Lessons of Hope I Learned from My Sister’s Suicide,” Ganel-Lyn Condie, LDS Living, Mar. 2015
- “Taking Care of Yourself,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- “SOS: Handbook for Survivors of Suicide,” Jeffrey Jackson (American Association of Suicidology), yourlifecounts.org
- “Responses and Emotions,” Befrienders Worldwide
- “Suicide Grief: Healing after a Loved One’s Suicide,” Mayo Clinic