What Not To Say To Someone Who Has Lost A Loved One To Suicide

LOADING ERROR LOADING Losing a loved one to suicide is a particularly painful and complex grieving experience. ‘I know how you feel.’ “We sometimes act impulsively when responding to someone who lost a loved one by saying that we know how they feel or that things will get better in time,” said Nance Roy, chief clinical officer at the mental health organization The Jed Foundation. ‘That was selfish of them.’ “It’s important to avoid framing someone’s death by suicide as ‘selfish’ or ‘cowardly,’” Torguson said. “Say the deceased’s name, share memories with their loved ones, and recognize that the person who died had a life that was so much more than just how they died.” ‘They probably did it because of ______.’ “It’s important to try to avoid oversimplifying suicide by trying to attribute someone’s death by suicide to a single cause or circumstance ― such as a relationship ending, job loss or bullying,” Torguson said. ‘They successfully committed suicide.’ “While we want to talk openly and honestly about suicide and suicide prevention, it’s important to keep in mind that the words we use can either promote hope and help-seeking or further stigmatize those who may be struggling or cause those who have lost someone to suicide to feel judged or ostracized,” Torguson said.