Losing someone from suicide

There are a number of sources of help available. Start with this testimony about how one person came back 'out of the ashes' and worked through their problems - with God's help. There are also some links to helpful online resources and books. 

Help is at hand is an excellent and comprehensive national resource, with input from members of our group, to support people bereaved by suicide or other sudden and traumatic deaths. You can download it from the Department of Health website using the link above. Here is a quote from the Introduction: "When you first discover that someone close to you has died unexpectedly by suicide or other sudden, traumatic death, you will probably experience a range of emotions and physical sensations. Sometimes it is clear that a relative or friend?s death is suicide, but often it is not. Uncertainty may arise from the death being completely unexpected or because of the way in which the person died, for example by drowning or drug overdose."

SOBS [Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide] is a national organisation you can call on 0870 241 3337. See the link above for their website and more information. Yorkshire SOBS can be contacted on 01484715750.

Papyrus are a national organisation who are involved in preventing and supporting suicide among young people. Also well known are the Samaritans.

Cruse Bereavement Care [0844 477 9400] exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides counselling and support. It offers information, advice, education and training services.

The Oxford Centre for Suicide Research maintain a long list of links about Suicide and Self Harm.

A Special Scar is a book writen about the unique effects of losing someone by suicide and how it is different to losing somone in another way.