Negative emotions surround the suicide survivor, complicating our road back from sorrow. Anger is a natural part of the grieving process, but survivors of suicide are far more susceptible to it-and not without justification. Anyone who mourns may feel anger-frustration at being powerless in the face of death or rage at some real or perceived culprit. However, those who mourn a suicide know the identity of the responsible party-and who wouldn’t feel anger toward the person who ended the life of someone we love and who devastated everyone around us? Many will be hesitant to view their loved one in such harsh light, but the concept is there in our minds, at the core of our despair. At some point, that anger may surface. If you feel such anger, don’t try to repress it — let it out. It’s a natural part of your healing process. You won’t feel this way forever. Quite the contrary-once expressed, it will be easier for you to let go of your anger and begin to embrace positive thoughts and happy memories of your lost loved one.
Jeffery Jackson
American Association of Suicidology