Changing emotions-sadness, guilt & anger

When people first heard about their loved one’s suicide they usually felt shocked, as well as many other emotions (see ‘First reactions-shock, disbelief, despair & relief’). Margaret described bereavement by suicide as a “big open wound”.

It has been suggested that there are four “tasks” of mourning, and that over time people need to accept the reality of their loss, allow time to experience feelings and emotions, adjust to life without the dead person, and “move on” with life. However, grieving individuals may not go through these stages and those who do may not undertake them in a fixed order. Indeed, one of the men we talked to who had lost his wife argued that the notion of “stages of grief” is a “load of rubbish”.

Dolores’ husband, Steve, developed mental health problems soon after their baby was born. He fell from a bridge in 2005 and died soon afterwards. Dolores felt distraught and very sad. She has found help though a psychologist, and SOBS, and web sites.

Dying & bereavement >> Bereavement due to suicide >> Lost a parent >> Lynne - Interview 26 >> At times Lynne feels sad and angry that her mother has not been there to share the important occasions in her life. However, Lynne knows that her moth

In 1981, when Lynne was 19, her mother drowned in the bath at home. It seems that she took her own life. Lynne felt her mother had been let down by the professionals who had been involved in her care. She has found support from friends & colleagues.

Changing emotions-sadness, guilt & anger

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