Tips and Tools

• Breathwork Apps
  Use breathwork apps like "Breathe2Relax" or "Breathwrk" to guide you through exercises that help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
  Download Breathwrk: Breathing Exercises App on Google Play
  Download Breathwrk: Relax, Sleep, Focus App on App Store

• Mindfulness Timer
  A timer app to help you practice mindfulness and stay focused. Set intervals for deep breathing or taking mindful pauses.
  Try Mindfulness Timer

• Self-Care Planner
  Daily planners that focus on self-care, goal setting, and wellness tracking. Options like “Passion Planner” or “The Self Care Journal” guide you in setting daily intentions. Also check out our Daily Mental Health tracker as an easy, free, starting point…
  Start Your Self-Care Plan

• Digital Mood Boards
  Platforms like “Pinterest” or “Canva” for creating mood boards to visualize and organize your thoughts, inspirations, and aspirations.  Keep it somewhere you can see it as a constant reminder of your goals & dreams.
  Create a Mood Board

• Emergency Calming Kit App An app with soothing visuals, sounds, and exercises to use during high-stress moments.
  Download Calming Kit

If you need immediate support, please know there are people and resources available to help.

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  For urgent assistance, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the 24/7 support of trained professionals.

• Mental Health Hotlines
  Comprehensive list of mental health helplines like the Crisis Text Line (text “HELLO” to 741741) for those in need of immediate support.
  View Hotline List

• Local Therapy Directories
  Connect with local therapists through directories like “Therapy for Black Girls,” “Pride Counseling,” or “Open Path Collective” for affordable options.

• Mental Health Toolkits for Families
  Guides and activities for families to support each other’s mental health, especially during difficult times.
  Explore Family Toolkit

• Crisis and Emergency Response Guides
  Clear guidance on what to do in a mental health crisis, including who to call and how to offer support to a friend in need.
  Read Crisis Guide

• Workplace Wellness ProgramsLinks to mental wellness resources for the workplace, such as “Headspace for Work” or “Lyra Health.” These programs offer mindfulness, therapy, and other support.
  Improve Workplace Wellness

Losing a loved one to suicide is an unimaginable and deeply personal tragedy. The experience often leaves survivors grappling with a complex mix of emotions, including grief, guilt, anger, confusion, and profound sadness. As a suicide survivor, it’s important to acknowledge that your feelings are valid and that healing is a journey, not a destination. While every individual processes grief differently, understanding the unique aspects of losing someone to suicide can be an essential step in finding support and solace.

1. Navigating Complex Emotions

The loss of a loved one to suicide often brings feelings of guilt and self-blame. You may find yourself questioning if there was something you could have done to prevent their death. It’s crucial to remember that suicide is a result of profound mental pain, and it is not your fault. Acknowledging these emotions without judgment can help you process them over time.

2. The Stigma Around Suicide

Survivors of suicide loss often face an added layer of social stigma. People may avoid discussing the death or may inadvertently say hurtful things. Surround yourself with compassionate individuals who understand or are willing to learn about the complexities of suicide grief. Professional support groups specifically for suicide survivors can provide a safe space for sharing and healing.

3. The Healing Process

Grieving a suicide loss can feel like navigating uncharted waters, and the timeline for healing varies widely. Be patient with yourself. It’s okay to experience moments of numbness or overwhelming sadness. Engaging in healthy coping strategies, such as journaling, mindfulness, or creative outlets, can be beneficial.

4. Seeking Support

You don’t have to face this journey alone. Reaching out to a therapist or counselor trained in trauma and grief can provide you with tools to manage your emotions. Support groups for suicide survivors, both in-person and online, allow you to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of your loss.

5. Honoring Your Loved One

Finding ways to honor the memory of your loved one can be an integral part of the healing process. Creating a memorial, participating in suicide prevention advocacy, or simply cherishing happy memories can bring comfort and purpose.

6. Moving Forward

Healing after a suicide loss doesn’t mean forgetting or “getting over” the person you lost. It means learning to carry their memory with you as you rebuild your life. Over time, you may find ways to incorporate their memory into your daily life, transforming your grief into resilience and strength.

Resources for Suicide Survivors

If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide, know that help is available. National and local organizations provide valuable resources, counseling, and community support. For immediate assistance or to find ongoing support, consider reaching out to:

• With Hope, the Amber Craig Memorial Foundation
  Website: www.withhopefoundation.org
  Phone: 714-524-1996
  Email: info@withhopefoundation.org

With Hope offers education, support, and resources for suicide prevention and postvention, including survivor support services.

Above all, remember: you are not alone. The pain may feel overwhelming now, but with time, support, and self-compassion, healing is possible. Reach out, lean on others, and take it one step at a time.