Grief and suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts during grief are more common than people realise.

Losing someone you love can be one of the most painful experiences in life. Grief touches every part of you-emotionally, mentally, physically-and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Some people find themselves struggling with dark thoughts, including thoughts of suicide. If this is where you are right now: you are not alone, and you do not have to carry this pain by yourself. 

Grief can take many forms. For some, it brings sadness, tears, or numbness. For other it brings guilt, anger, or even relief-especially after a long illness. None of these feelings are wrong. When grief feels too heavy, it can blur the line between wanting relief from the pain and feeling like life is no longer worth living. 

Suicidal thoughts during grief are more common than many realise. You might feel like the pain will never end, or that life has lost all meaning. You may feel isolated, even if others are around you. Some people believe they must be strong for others and suffer in silence. But bottling up this pain only deepens it. 

Talking about your thoughts and feelings is not a sign of weakness. Sharing your feelings can bring much-needed relief. Sometimes, just saying out loud, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” in a safe, non-judgmental space can be the first step.   

It’s important to know that for most of us, when we experience thoughts of suicide, they go away after a time, when we look after ourselves and with the right support. 

What to do when you experience suicidal thoughts  

  • Be gentle with yourself. You are going through something incredibly difficult.
  • Find someone you trust, who you know is there for you, to talk about how you feel.  
  • Reach out to supportive communities online if this is helpful for you. 
  • Speak to your GP if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, as they can get access to other forms of help. 
  • Keep a journal where you can write down your thoughts.
  • Make sure you keep a routine that is good for you, including rest, activity, going outside, and eating regularly. 
  • Be kind to yourself and know that you may need some more time than usual to think through things.