First Aid For Survivors After Suicide

First aid for survivors after suicide

The reasons for a suicide vary from person to person and are sometimes understandable to the bereaved in a certain way. In many cases, however, relatives are left perplexed. To get through this difficult time, it is important to get help.

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You are not alone

Around 1,200 people take their own lives in Austria every year. This includes women and men of all ages as well as young people (rarely also children) in a wide variety of life situations. It is estimated that every suicide leaves at least three to five close caregivers as survivors. Thus, in Austria in the last ten years between 36,000 and 60,000 people have been affected by the consequences of the suicide of a loved one.

Shock and sadness

Emotional and physical reactions after the sudden loss of a close person are perfectly normal. There are usually many conflicting thoughts and feelings at the beginning of the grief process, such as:

• Sadness
• Anger
• violent crying
• Feeling of unreality
• inner emptiness or disunity
• Numbness
• Fright
• severe mental pain
• shame
• Feelings of guilt
• Bewildered

In the first few days, there may also be insomnia, chills, poor appetite, headaches and body aches.

Get support

In order to survive this difficult phase, it is helpful to be around people who can endure grief and shock with you. Whether with friends, family or the neighborhood - think about who you have around you and who you want to ask for help. Do not hesitate to get support! Try to say what you need. Most of the time, the presence of someone you love is of great help. Go through the most important concerns for the next few days (e.g. child care, organizational matters) step by step, if possible together with the supporting person. Self-care also plays a particularly important role during this period. This also includes carefully weighing up what you want to trust yourself to do these days and what you don't.

If you have the feeling that you cannot talk to people around you, you should urgently seek professional interlocutors. You can find possible contact points under Crisis Telephones & Emergency Numbers as well as under Crisis Facilities and Psychosocial Help.

If a "nervous breakdown" occurs, medical help is required immediately.