The journey for those bereaved by suicide is often feels like walking alone. It’s a path weighed down by complex grief, profound loss, and the isolating burden of stigma. At HUGG, we works towards an Ireland where individuals impacted by suicide loss find support, hope, and are free from stigma. Our powerful video series, “I Am Bereaved By Suicide” aims to shatter this silence, opening up essential conversations and allowing us to openly remember our loved ones.

In a deeply moving video, Clive, a volunteer who facilitates HUGG Smithfield, our suicide bereavement support group, shares his courageous story.  He speaks about breaking the silence on suicide loss. His video, “Clive’s Story: Life After Losing My Dad to Suicide | HUGG Volunteer Shares His Journey,” offers a powerful testament.  It shows that comfort can come from speaking one’s truth in a safe, understanding space.

15 Years of Silence: Clive’s Personal Struggle

For 15 long years after his father’s death, Clive carried his grief in silence. This silence is a common experience. Grief after suicide loss often feels too heavy, too complex, to share. Clive recounts the profound moment when he first attended a HUGG support group: “It was the first time in 15 years that I said ‘my dad died by suicide.'” In that moment, surrounded by others who understood, he found a freedom from judgment. He also felt a deep sense of validation.

This experience highlights a critical aspect of being bereaved by suicide.  There is a powerful need for a space where the uncomfortable word can finally be spoken.  Feelings can be shared without fear.

From Member to Volunteer: Finding his Voice

Clive’s journey didn’t end with attending our support groups as a member.  He gained immense understanding and strength from HUGG. Inspired by this, he has since become a volunteer and facilitates a suicide bereavement support group, helping others on their grief journey. He now provides that same vital space for new members.  Here they talk about their loved ones and navigate their own paths of grief. HUGG not only gave Clive the strength to deal with his own profound loss but also the strength to extend that support to others.

Removing Stigma: HUGG’s Core Mission

Clive openly acknowledges that “suicide is an uncomfortable word to say.” However, he passionately asserts that HUGG is here to remove the stigma surrounding it. By sharing his story he helps others.  By facilitating groups where others can share theirs, Clive actively contributes to bringing the conversation about suicide bereavement out into the open. This act of remembering and saying the names of our loved ones is crucial.  Combined with sharing messages of hope, it is central to HUGG’s vision.

We invite you to witness Clive’s inspiring journey and hear his voice contribute to breaking the silence on suicide loss.

View Clive’s video below or watch it on Youtube and understand the power of shared experience: Watch Clive’s Story: Life After Losing My Dad to Suicide

If you are bereaved by suicide and resonate with Clive’s experience, please know that HUGG offers a compassionate community where you can find support, understanding, and freedom from stigma.

  • Join a HUGG support group: Find a safe space to share your story and connect with others who understand. Join a HUGG Support Group
  • Find HUGG support group locations: Locate a community near you to begin your healing journey. HUGG Support Groups
  • Search our resources page: Access helpful articles and information on navigating suicide bereavement. Find Support After a Suicide