The journey for those bereaved by suicide 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 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.

Clive, a volunteer who facilitates HUGG Smithfield, our suicide bereavement support group, shares his 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 compassionate and understanding space.

15 Years of Silence

For 15 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 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 an important 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 or judgement.

From Member to Volunteer

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 feel less alone. 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

Clive openly acknowledges that “suicide is an uncomfortable word to say.” However, he knows that HUGG is here to remove the stigma surrounding it. By sharing his story he helps others.  By facilitating groups where others can share their experience, 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.

View Clive’s video 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