No two types of grief are the same, and that holds especially true for those affected by a loved one's suicide. In this instance, many turn to grief counseling for guidance down this incredibly difficult road. At Abriola Parkview Funeral Home of Trumbull, CT, our goal is to provide the tools necessary for the grief journey. There is still a great deal of work to be done, but that doesn't mean you have to do it alone.

There are countless questions that follow a loved one's suicide, reflected both inward and outward. "What could I have done to prevent this?" and "Why didn't they speak to me about their problems?" are some of the more common roadblocks along the way, but every situation is different. Due to the conflicting nature of the loss and the myriad emotions that arise as a result, grief counseling should be viewed as a long-term process. In fact, the grief itself may even be predicated by thoughts of anger and resentment, as well as an overall loss of trust in relationships. 

These feelings will grow and change long after funeral services have been performed. As Dr. Bill Webster noted in his "Grief After Suicide" article, the grief process — including the initial feelings of numbness and disbelief — becomes entangled with the frustrating inability to understand the motivations behind the act. Add in the difficulty of talking about the death and overwhelming aftermath with others and you have a burden the family feels they alone must bear. 

Thus, grief counseling becomes an invaluable resource, as bereavement counselors encourage those affected by a loved one’s suicide to share the weight of this burden. Regular sessions give the family an opportunity to openly discuss even the most painful elements for the purposes of relieving stress and a better understanding of the feelings involved.

Together with the assistance of a compassionate counselor, families will eventually be able to continue throughout the rest of their personal journey. While life may never be the same, being able to function on a relatively normal level each day is a tremendous achievement in itself. If you and your family are in need of any type of grief counseling, do not hesitate to contact us at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home. You will find additional grief resources online, and we can be reached at (203) 373-1013. You can also connect with us on our Facebook page.