Healthy Grieving: How to Prevent Suicide and Substance Abuse in Those Dealing With Loss

Loss of a loved one brings with it a level of pain and anguish that may seem unbearable. While suicide is a common thought among the grief-stricken, there are other healthy ways to cope.

If you have ever lost a loved one, you may have felt like the death left a void in your life that can never be mended. To cope with the pain and anguish of loss, some people turn to options that they may not have otherwise considered, such as drugs, alcohol, and even suicide. Though those who are experiencing grief may not realize it now, there are healthy ways to cope with loss. It may not be an overnight solution, but it can help prevent unhealthy practices such as substance abuse and suicide.

Stages of Grief

Before turning to prevention, it is important to understand the nature of grief. While no two people will grieve the exact same way, researchers have found that many people react to loss in stages. These stages include:

1. Denial: In this first stage, loved ones may still be in shock over the loss. This can cause feelings of numbness to the situation.

2. Bargaining: Once the reality begins to set in, many people move on to the bargaining stage of grief. During this period, people may feel shame or guilt and wonder if they could have done anything differently.

3. Depression: Soon, the finality of death begins to weigh upon the individual. This can cause a variety of feelings typically associated with depression, including hopelessness, helplessness, or isolation. During this stage, some even consider suicide as an option to cope with the pain.

4. Anger: Anger is a common feeling among those who experience loss. This anger can be focused in many directions, including towards oneself, the lost loved one, or even God.

5. Acceptance: As people move through these stages, it may be hard to believe that they can come to accept the loss and move on in a healthy manner. It takes time to achieve this stage and may even taken the help of loved ones or medical professionals. Additionally, it will take work to hold on to this stage; even those who have achieved acceptance may slip back into prior stages of grief.

It is important to note that people may experience these stages in their own unique order or manner, and may spend more time in one stage than another.

How to Prevent Substance Abuse and Suicide in Those Who Are Grieving

A common and unfortunate side effect of grief is the thought that the pain and anguish will never be relieved. In an effort to cope with this suffering, some will turn to alternate and unhealthy avenues, such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts and actions. For example, someone who is experiencing depression may consider suicide to end the pain and/or as a way to be with their lost loved one. Others who are experiencing anger, for example, may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate for their feelings of rage.

If your loved one is experiencing grief, it is important to reach out and offer support. Even if you don’t believe they will turn to substance abuse or suicidal ideations, it is still necessary to provide encouragement whenever possible. To do so, try:

1. Expressing Condolences

While your loved one has likely heard the phrase, “I’m sorry for your loss,” at least 100 times, it doesn’t mean that you should shy away from the opportunity to provide support. Every person who expresses condolences is one more person that your loved one can rely on.

2. Listening and Responding With Care

No one experiences grief the exact same way, as such, it is important that you listen to your loved one and respond without judgment or frustration. Even if you feel like you aren’t helping, your presence is likely a comfort. So, cry with your loved one, offer words of encouragement, and be there for support during the difficult times. By doing so, you may gain insight into whether your loved one is contemplating suicide or turning to other unhealthy means of coping.

3. Offering Support

Whether or not you notice any signs of suicidal thoughts or addictive behaviors, offer to make an appointment with a medical or mental health professional. If you are comfortable, offer to attend the session with them. This support and encouragement just might save your loved one’s life.

For more information on grief and its impact on suicide and substance abuse, please feel free to contact us today.

Steve Johnson has always been dedicated to promoting health and wellness in all aspects of life. Studying in the medical field has shown him how important it is for reputable health-related facts, figures, tips, and other guidance to be readily available to the public. He created PublicHealthLibrary.org with a fellow student to act as a resource for people’s overall health inquiries and as an accurate and extensive source of health information. When he isn’t hard at work in his studies, Steve enjoys playing tennis and listening to his vintage record collection.