Death by suicide has a marked emotional effect on all involved.
Family, friends, and medical professionals may feel guilt, shame, and remorse at not having prevented the suicide.
They may also feel anger toward the indiviudal.
Eventually, they may realise that they could not have prevented the suicide.
Sometimes a grief counsellor or a self-help group can help family and friends deal with their feelings of guilt and sorrow.
The primary care doctor or local mental health services can often help locate these resources.
In addition, national organisations maintain directories of local support groups, and resources are also available on the Internet.
The effect of attempted suicide is similar.
However, family members and friends have the opportunity to resolve their feelings by responding appropriately to the individual’s cry for help.
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