UNDERSTANDING GRIEF
– grief often comes in waves rather than progressing through stages
– an initial period of painful preoccupation and withdrawal is common
– grieving people may not be outwardly distressed
DEALING WITH GRIEF
– give yourself time
– participation in the funeral can help by giving structure
– expect feelings of guilt and anger about the deceased person
– expect further waves of grief at anniversaries, holidays and other reminders
– find ways of making the qualities you admired in the deceased person live on in the world
GRIEF AFTER SUICIDE
– there is no single or comprehensive reason for someone committing suicide
– blaming oneself or feeling angry at the deceased are common
– survivors may feel judged or shunned
SEE ALSO:
More and More, I Talk to the Dead
Bereaved Families of Ontario