If you, or someone you know, has been affected by someone dying by suicide, support is available.
You may have known the person who has died as a family member, a friend, a colleague, or someone from your community or in a range of other ways. You may not have known the person but still be affected. Suicide can have a ripple effect, extending well beyond the person’s immediate family and friends.
How people experience the loss of a death by suicide is very individual but may involve intense and complex feelings and for some these are difficult to understand and manage.
Bereavement Support
There is support available to you from national and local organisations:
At a Loss
Searchable website of national and local bereavement support services.
After a Suicide (from Scottish Association for Mental Health)
A guide covering the practical issues that need to be thought about after a suicide; some of the emotions you might be experiencing; and places where you can get help.
An online closed support group for those bereaved by suicide. These groups are free of charge, for anyone over 18 years who has lost someone to suicide and is ready to talk about their feelings and experience. They are run exclusively on Zoom.
A charity in Scotland that includes support for immediate family members of people who have taken their own life in Scotland or abroad.
Support is available for adults, children and young people (over 12 years old) who are experiencing bereavement trauma, grief and loss that is associated with the death of a family member in tragic circumstances.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service investigates all sudden, suspicious and unexplained deaths. To learn about their services and processes following a suicide you can visit the website or contact them directly.
A UK charity that offers peer-led support for people over 18 who have been impacted by suicide loss. There are both face to face and virtual support groups for people who live in Scotland. You can find the nearest group via the search function on their website.