Growing Through Grief After Suicide Loss

The journey of those bereaved by suicide is often shrouded in silence, weighted by complex grief, profound loss, and the isolating burden of stigma. At HUGG, we envision an Ireland where individuals impacted by suicide loss find not just support and hope, but also freedom from this stigma. Our video series, featuring courageous voices like Ruth’s, is central to breaking this silence, opening up vital conversations, and ultimately, remembering our loved ones openly.

In a deeply moving video, Ruth, a member of HUGG Galway suicide bereavement support group, shares her personal journey with the profound statement: “I am bereaved by suicide.” Her story, titled “Ruth’s Story: Living With Suicide Loss | How HUGG Support Groups Offered Connection and Hope,” offers a powerful glimpse into her initial struggles and the solace she found after the devastating loss of her 18-year old son, Reuben, to suicide. It is a testament to the power of speaking out and the vital role that connection and support plays when navigating such a difficult path of unimaginable sorrow.

Ruth’s experience resonates with so many who find themselves grappling with the unique challenges of this type of bereavement. She candidly discusses the initial shock, the overwhelming emotions, and the struggle to find her footing in a world turned upside down. For many facing suicide bereavement in Ireland, the path to healing can feel incredibly lonely. This is precisely where the HUGG support groups step in, providing a vital lifeline.

Beyond the video, Ruth’s poignant “Hope Story on our blog, “Bearing the Unbearable, Growing from My Grief,”, delves deeper into her journey. This raw honesty is critical, as it mirrors the hidden struggles many bereaved by suicide endure in silence.

For Ruth, a profound step in navigating her grief was finding ways to keep Reuben’s memory alive and vibrant, to say his name. She found solace in deeply personal rituals, like writing letters to and from him, expressing her sadness, and imagining his comforting advice. This act of remembering, of speaking his name even in private, is a crucial step for those bereaved by suicide to acknowledge their loss and begin to deal with their grief.

Nature also became a sacred space for Ruth’s connection and remembrance. She found comfort in an ancient oak tree, a symbol of enduring strength, and even planted acorns from it, seeing them as a living link to Reuben. Her journey to revisit the place of his death, initially filled with despair, gradually transformed into discovering beauty and signs of peace in nature’s gifts. This quiet unfolding is a powerful metaphor for finding moments of hope amidst the enduring pain of being bereaved by suicide.

Ruth’s story powerfully demonstrates that while grief irrevocably changes us, it can also lead to a renewed self, shaped by loss but also by newfound strength and wisdom. Her experience serves as an inspiration, showing that even after an unbearable loss, it is possible to grow, to honour memory, and to live with hope.

The cornerstone of Ruth’s healing, as highlighted in both her video and her written story, has been the compassionate embrace of HUGG.  We provide a vital, judgment-free space where individuals who are bereaved by suicide can share their experiences, find understanding, and feel less alone. The peer support within these groups actively works to break down the isolation and stigma that often accompany suicide loss, fostering an environment where it’s safe to grieve openly and honestly.

Ruth’s unwavering belief in hope, a word left behind by her son, guides her journey. By sharing her story, she not only keeps Reuben’s memory alive but also extends a hand to others who are bereaved by suicide, inviting them into a conversation that desperately needs to be heard. Hearing such personal stories brings the conversation about suicide bereavement out into the open, allowing us to remember our loved ones by saying their names and sharing a collective message of hope.

We invite you to experience Ruth’s powerful message. View the video below or Watch Ruth’s Story: Living With Suicide Loss on Youtube

If you or someone you know is navigating the complex grief of suicide loss, please know that you are not alone. HUGG is here to offer support and understanding.