Coping With Suicide Loss in Ontario: Resources and Support

Losing someone to suicide is an experience of profound grief that can feel truly insurmountable. The intense, complicated emotions of sadness, anger, guilt, trauma, and unanswered questions can be incredibly difficult to process alone. In Ontario, many individuals and families have been shattered by the tragedy of suicide loss.

If you have lost a loved one to suicide in this province, it's crucial to know that you don't have to go through this devastating experience alone. While nothing can undo the heartbreak you are feeling, there are resources, counseling services, and support networks across Ontario dedicated to providing care and compassion to survivors of suicide loss.

Crisis Support Services

In the immediate aftermath, or whenever you need urgent care, Ontario has several 24/7 crisis hotlines and support services:

• Ontario Residents: Call 1-866-531-2600
• In Northwestern Ontario: Contact your local crisis line or call 1-866-888-8988
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 for ages 20 and under
  

Crisis counselors can provide caring listening, intervention, safety planning, and connections to local Ontario organizations and services that can further support you after a suicide loss.

Survivor Support Groups

One of the most meaningful sources of solace can be connecting with others who have experienced a similar devastating loss through suicide. Being able to openly share your story, emotions, memories, and ask questions with individuals who truly understand the trauma can provide immense comfort.

The Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) hosts in-person and virtual support groups across the province for survivors of suicide loss. Groups are located in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, London, and more to allow peers to come together in a safe, compassionate environment.

You can also check with local hospitals, community centers, mental health clinics, and counseling services in your area to inquire about any groups or programs tailored specifically to suicide loss survivors. Places of worship may offer grief support as well.

Grief Counseling and Therapy

After the trauma of a loved one's suicide, seeking counseling from qualified mental health professionals who specialize in grief and suicide loss therapy is highly recommended. The grief can be exceptionally complex and intense, often leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other challenges.

A grief counselor trained in suicide loss can help guide you through this process in a healthy manner. They can provide valuable perspectives, coping strategies, opportunities to process emotions and trauma, and referrals for additional services.

Through the Provincial Mental Health line at 1-866-531-2600, you can get connected with therapists and counselors in Ontario experienced in this area. Your family doctor or employee assistance program may provide counseling referrals as well. While private practice can be costly, some clinics like Affordable Therapy Services and Walk-In Counselling offer sliding scale fees.

Indigenous Community Support

For Indigenous communities in Ontario impacted by a suicide loss, there are counseling and support services grounded in traditional teachings:

• At Children's Mental Health Ontario (416-438-3697), Indigenous elders are available to provide culturally-grounded grief counseling.
• You can contact the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 for crisis intervention and referrals to local community resources.
• The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 offers support for those grieving traumas related to the residential school system.
• For local options, connect with your nearest Friendship Centre or Indigenous Health Access Centre as many provide on-site counselors and healing circles.
  

Online Support Resources

There are also many online support communities and resources available 24/7 for survivors of suicide loss:

• The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors hosts virtual support groups and forums to connect with others grieving suicide.
• Facebook has private groups like "Survivors of Suicide Loss" to join.
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's private member forums and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline each have sections dedicated to loss survivors.
• Resources like the Dougy Center's guidebook on grieving a loved one's suicide can provide perspectives and hope.
  

Self-Care and Self-Compassion

Losing someone in this traumatic way can impact your life in unimaginable ways, leaving you struggling with intense emotions like depression, anger, guilt, and more. It's important to prioritize self-care and be compassionate with yourself as you navigate this devastating grief.

Don't isolate yourself - spend time with loved ones who are supportive and understanding. Consider joining a counseling group to share your story and connect with others on a similar path. Writing in a journal can provide a meaningful outlet to process the influx of thoughts and emotions you'll experience.

Be patient with yourself and make efforts to maintain routines, nutritious eating, physical activity, and healthy sleeping habits as best you can. Mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, or creativity can provide necessary grounding.

If you are having thoughts of suicide yourself, experiencing severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, or struggles with daily functioning, please reach out to your doctor and local emergency services immediately for assessment and support. This trauma requires professional care.

You Are Not Alone

The despair and darkness that a suicide loss can create is immense. But please know that there are resources, counseling services, compassionate communities, and fellow survivors across Ontario who want to provide support through this deeply painful experience.  

While grief may persist, reaching out for professional help, connecting with peer support groups, and accessing information about coping with suicide loss can provide comfort. You don't have to face the turmoil and unanswered questions alone. Step by step, sources of solace and care are available to help lighten the heavy emotional load as you learn to live with this traumatic loss. You have an entire community in Ontario committed to supporting you through this tragedy.