Surviving Your Child’s Suicide

The suicide of a child of any age presents unique circumstances that can intensify and prolong the mourning process for parents, family members and friends. Suicide is believed to be a reaction to overwhelming feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness and depression.  It usually occurs when a person’s pain exceeds his or her resources and ability to cope.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States among 10-14 year olds and 15-24 year olds and the second leading cause among 25-34 year olds.

While mental illness often plays a role in suicide, not everyone who dies by suicide is mentally ill. Some families have experienced years of treatments, hospitalizations and medications with their child, while some experience none at all.

Sometimes there are warning signs of the person’s intentions. However, clues may be so disguised that even a trained professional or counselor may not recognize them. Occasionally there are no discernible signs and the child’s suicide becomes a catastrophic decision that may never be understood.

There is a change taking place in the terminology when talking about suicide. The terms “died by suicide,” “died from suicide,” and “died of suicide” are being adopted.  This new language is reflective of the changes in our understanding and compassion as we move away from the harsh statement and stigma of the words “committed suicide”, which can be offensive to families whose children have taken their own lives.

After Suicide

Feelings of shock, denial, guilt, anger and depression are a normal part of grief. These feelings can be especially heightened when a child has died by suicide.  Though difficult to accept, it is not unusual for some families to experience feelings of relief if their child’s behavior was stressful or destructive to themselves or to the family unit.

The suicide of a child can raise painful questions, doubts and fears.  You may question why your love was not enough to save your child and may fear that others will judge you to be an unfit parent. Both questions may raise strong feelings of failure. Many bereaved parents wrestle with these feelings but in time come to a place where they understand their child made the choice to end their life.

It is not uncommon for newly bereaved parents to express thoughts of suicide, regardless of how their child has died. Suicide is not inherited. If you are having thoughts of suicide, be gentle with yourself, if the thoughts turn into plans to end your life, please seek professional support.

The stigma associated with suicide in our society as a result of cultural and religious interpretations causes some families to be reluctant to talk openly about the cause of their child’s death. Keeping the cause of death a secret can deprive you of the joy of speaking about your child with family and friends and may cause isolation between you and those whose support you will need.  Finding support from others who allow you to openly share your feelings about the suicide can help you to focus on your own healing and survival.

Anger

Anger is a common emotion experienced by parents whose child has died by suicide. Anger may be directed at your child, those you believe failed to help your child, God or just the world in general. You may be angry with yourself because you feel you were unable to save your child. Anger can be destructive but it can also be constructive. Finding constructive ways of expressing your anger can help in the healing process.

Guilt and Regret

Parents, family, friends, classmates and even coworkers often have feelings of guilt and regret following a child’s suicide. “If only” is a phrase many find themselves repeating over and over. Intellectually you may come to understand that your child’s decision to end their life, was their own.  Emotionally, however, it may take much longer for you to accept that you are not responsible.  Be patient with yourself. Letting yourself fully feel an emotion is often an important part of processing and working through it.

Questioning

Often parents ask “why?” Rarely are there clear answers, which may be highly frustrating. At some point you may begin to realize that there are some questions about the death of your child that will never be answered.

Lack of energy, sleep problems, inability to concentrate, not wanting to talk with others and the feeling there is nothing to live for are all normal reactions in bereavement. Situational depression, as opposed to clinical depression, should eventually subside. This type of depression can be helped by integrating moderate physical activity, plenty of rest and water and a nutritious diet into a daily routine.  Try to allow family and friends to take care of you.  You don’t have to be strong. Try to stay connected with people you value and trust. Talking with others who have been through a similar situation may also help you to cope. If the depression does not appear to lessen over time, you may want to talk with a qualified professional who can determine how best to help you.

Disillusionment

Often parents find themselves in a spiritual crisis and question their beliefs or feel betrayed by God. Religious concerns about the hereafter may also surface. “Why did God let this happen?” is a question we may never know the answer to. Talking about spiritual and philosophical questions with other parents who have experienced a suicide may be helpful. For those with concerns of a spiritual nature, it could be helpful to find a gentle, caring and nonjudgmental member of the same faith and open yourself to that person.

Ideas to Help You Cope