In Grief: Supporting the Survivor of Suicide Loss ~ Helpful or Harmful?

[Reviewed and updated February 27, 2026]

A reader writes: Eight days ago my brother-in-law Joseph died by suicide, leaving behind my sister after almost 15 years together, and their 10 year old daughter. I’m here to support my sister and niece during this time, as are many of her friends and family. Everyone has been very forgiving and patient. Though we all grieve individually, my sister and her daughter are at the forefront of our minds. I’m writing you in the hopes that you can lend some practical advice. The situation we’re in may not be unique, but I have failed to find any help in guidebooks or any other resource thus far. 

Voices of Experience: Why Are We So Afraid to Cry?

By Sarah Neustadter, PhD

Tearless grief bleeds inwardly.  ~ Christian Nevell Bovee

“They” say “the only way out is through.” And it’s fucking annoying and cliché. But it’s true. The grieving is a crazy journey. Madness. Insanity. Never-ending, in some ways. But it is also transformative, if you allow it and shape it. Your shell’s been cracked open and something new is emerging. If you go in there and live it, experience it like your life depends on it (and it does), I guarantee that when you pop out the other side of it, you will be different. You will feel things in new ways and experience life from a perspective you never thought possible. You might not want to hear it, you might not see it or believe it, and you certainly don’t want it, but I invite you to feel it as fully as you can. Your power is in there. Claim it. Get what’s yours.

Understanding and Managing Grief, June 25 - July 1, 2017

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Why Grief Is A Series of Contractions and Expansions, http://j.mp/2usodTo « Tricycle

What one good doctor taught this mother about grief, http://j.mp/2tqYldm « Kevin MD

Delayed Grief: When Grief Gets Worse, http://j.mp/2tqhQm7 « The Grief Toolbox