Intense and mixed emotions

Some people cope with their pain through anger and blame. This may be directed at themselves, family members, friends, co-workers, or the military or RCMP. It can extend to healthcare professionals, the clergy, a higher power, and the person who died. Your anger or rage might feel more free-floating, without a specific target.

We need to talk about suicide and ask our loved ones if they are ok ()

Your grief may not be acknowledged by the people in your life or by society at large. This can cause you to believe that your grief is not significant or valid. You may experience stigma or judgment from others, or even from yourself, leading to feelings of shame or lack of self-worth. The situation may have led you to be private and perhaps secretive about it. Your grief may feel heavier and more confusing if you do not feel it is recognized and acknowledged by others. People in your life may not understand the impacts this loss is having on your life. This is sometimes called disenfranchised or unrecognized grief. For more information see MyGrief.ca - Unrecognized Grief.

The bonds formed in services and in friendship can be as strong or stronger than those of family. However, because friends and colleagues are not related to the person who died, their grief is often not recognized. This can lead to feelings that you don’t have a “right to grieve”.

Feeling alone is a common experience in loss, and the stigma often associated with suicide can make it more challenging to reach out.  It can take time and effort to find people you can meaningfully connect with.

Remembrance Day is hard ()