Coping After a Suicide Loss: Guidance and Support for Families

At BioCare, Utah's premium biohazard cleanup company, We understand the profound and unique grief that follows coping after a suicide loss.We are honored to support families during such difficult times. Drawing from the expertise of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), particularly their guide "After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief" by Dr. Jack Jordan and Dr. Bob Baugher, we offer insights and practical advice to help you navigate this challenging period.

Do the Police Have to Get Involved?
Since suicide is considered an unnatural death, authorities are required to investigate. While suicide is not a crime, the police need to rule out the possibility of foul play. During their investigation, they may restrict access to the body and the scene. Personal belongings might be taken for examination; if so, request an inventory for tracking purposes. Cooperate with the investigation but feel free to ask for sensitivity and swiftness. Remember, neither you nor your loved one is being accused of a crime.

Viewing the Body and Autopsy Considerations
If you are the immediate next of kin, you might be asked to identify the body. This can be done in person or through photographs. Viewing the body is a deeply personal choice. Many find that it helps in accepting the reality of the loss, though it may be traumatic. Having a friend or relative view the body first can provide guidance. The decision to view the body and how much of it to see is ultimately yours.
In cases of suicide, an autopsy is usually performed to determine the exact cause of death. As the next of kin, you have the right to request a copy of the autopsy report.

Communicating About the Suicide
Deciding what to tell others about the suicide can be difficult.Many find that honesty helps in receiving appropriate support when coping after a suicide loss.

When talking to children, provide truthful information, encourage questions, and offer reassurance. Ensure they understand that they are not responsible for the suicide. Repeated conversations may be necessary, and a bereavement support group can be beneficial.

Handling Media Attention
If the suicide attracts media attention, you are not obligated to speak to reporters. If you choose to, designate a family spokesperson and prepare a statement to help manage the situation during the coping after a suicide loss.Consider giving exclusive rights to one reporter to manage the situation better.

Funeral Planning and Memorialization
Choose a funeral home that is comfortable handling a suicide death and discuss your concerns upfront when coping after a suicide loss.

If involving clergy, find someone who is supportive and understanding of the complexities surrounding suicide. For memorials, you can suggest charitable donations in lieu of flowers. Including the cause of death in the obituary can prevent rumors and provide clarity.

At BioCare, we are here to support you through the practical aspects of cleanup, allowing you to focus on coping after a suicide loss and healing. We hope that these guidelines help ease some of the burdens during this incredibly difficult time. For further resources and support, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention