At first the mourner is in shock. He/she will continue to live a normal life. The suicide won’t have made make much of a psychological impact, from all outward appearances.
In reality, the mourner hasn’t accepted what has happened as a real fact. He/she can’t digest the fact that the suicide really happened. We often turn our backs on feelings of abandonment, anger, and personal responsibility in a busy world. It’s a survival reflex. But these feelings must be confronted and dealt with.
The shock phase can last anywhere from days to weeks. The longer this phase, the more severe the next phase will be.
Book excerpt from Quebec Suicide Prevention Handbook (2014), Éditions TNT
Suicide Prevention Hotlines:
Québec: 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553). CLSCs can also help you.
Canada: Canada Suicide Prevention Service 833-456-4566
U.S.: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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