When Suicide Hits Home: Coping Through Outside Help, Utilizing The 988 Emergency Service

Coping with the unexpected death of a loved one by suicide is one of the most difficult experiences that a surviving family member or other loved one can endure. According to estimates, United States, around 48,000 people commit suicide each year, which equals one suicide per every 11 minutes in this country.

And the statistics get even grimmer. Nationally, suicide is a leading cause of U.S. deaths, and it particularly effects 15-29 year old Americans. However, suicide does not have an age restriction: People of all ages commit suicide annually.

For those left behind, there are unaswered questions about your loved one’s suicide, questions that may always go unanswered—and the sadness at losing them in such a tragic way will never completely disappear—but there are ways to deal with the pain. As difficult as it may seem at the moment, in time you can learn to come to terms with your loss, resolve your grief, and even gain some level of acceptance in order to move forward with your life.

Moving forward isn’t easy. It takes time–time to process, time to grieve, time to begin to heal. There is no set timetable for coping with immense loss. And often, we need to lean on others to help us make it through.

And for those considering suicide, there is help. Help that you can get right now.

The 988 Lifeline responds 24/7 to calls, chats or texts from anyone who needs support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, and connects those in need with a counselor who listens and talks through your unique situation to give personal, judgment-free support.

So if you or someone close to you is thinking of taking their, please consider calling 988 NOW.