How Can I Help Someone Recover From Suicide of Spouse?

[Eternally]

Someone close to me found her husband in their house. No note. There had been signs of depression and stuff right beforehand. Anyway. How do you move on from here? Stay in the house they built together without reliving the scene in her mind?
Any advice or experience? I really want to help. Could be only time can do that. Tragic.

[gma dolittle]

Time and the good Lord. Pray for her and with her. Let her know you are there for her. Advise her to seek a group of like minded people, a guidance counsel of or minister should be able to help her. I will pray for her also.

grandma

[Wally]

No easy way to deal with those life events.

Some can pick up the pieces, some have to start anew. Family, friends, and prayer are critical at this point.

Does she have access to an EAP (employee assistance program)? They may be able to offer some help.


The most important thing is to Trust Jesus. Bodies break, minds fail. But He is Perfect.

[Acts5:41]

How Can I Help Someone Recover From Suicide of Spouse?

YOU can't "lead her through this".

Only God can lead her through this.

I think a lot of it is pretty simple: let her know you are there, come over a few times a week and say "Have you got any chores I can do?" While you're there, order her some takeout, let her cry on you. She has a lot on her plate right now, try to help with the daily stuff.

If she's anything like I was, right afterward she'll say "I don't need any help" and then realize, later, "OH, I do". So, keep offering. Mow her yard, take her shopping. Does she have kids? Offer to take them out for fast food and a couple hours at the playground. Basically, the usual kind things you would do if her husband died "normally".

I'd also let her know you're praying for her. If you're close, you could call her everyday and pray on the phone with her. Get her a grief devotional to read - they have a lot for people who've lost a spouse. Encourage her to go to church with you, and if she doesn't have a Bible, get her one.

Also encourage her to join a survivor's group.

Some links to suicide survivor groups:
http://www.AllianceofHope.org/?gclid...FaNeTAodnXD31Q

http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com/

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseac...DDF23261B4378D

You can also find more, for your area, by typing in "Suicide survivor groups" her area.




This is directed at all the posters and lurkers: Notice how she said there were a few signs, first? This woman is in for a world of hell, now.

This is why, if ANYONE you care about mentions suicide, you need to call 911 and get them emergency medical help. If you, yourself, are suicidal, you need to go to an emergency room and tell them. You need to call your mental health professional, if you have one, and tell them "I can't stop thinking about suicide".

Yes, it's hard, but I've had to do it twice myself. There is no shame in this. It is no different than going to the hospital for a heart attack. Suicide is a leading cause of death for some age groups, and it doesn't have to be.

[Eternally]

What is so sad about this story is he was admitted for 5 days for suicide watch, released, as is common, and the next day took his life. And it was the day after his birthday too.

[Acts5:41]

OH man.

I hope she looks into suing the hospital. The hospital should have seen it coming. Maybe it can prevent this from happening to someone else.

[Anymomentnow]

OH man.

I hope she looks into suing the hospital. The hospital should have seen it coming. Maybe it can prevent this from happening to someone else.

Her are my thoughts on this.

Was it a suprize to God when her husband took his life...no; as God is all knowing and He appoints the day.
The hospital may have been negligent or maybe they are just fallible like all sinners, saved or not saved.
How does suing the hospital in anyway help this woman with her loss and grieving process?
She needs to be surrounded by loving family and friends, and daily encouraged to pray and read God's word for healing to occur.
Forgiveness is the key for her, forgiveness of her husband for what he has done through this act and how it is going to impact her life. Forgiveness of all who may have tried to help him through his depression but failed, forgiveness of her own feelings of guilt. She needs to be helped through the condemnation that satan will lay on her. But not revenge on the hospital. That is destructive and unhelpful in my view.