Losing a parent

If your mum or dad has died by taking their own life, you may feel frightened, abandoned, angry that they have left you to cope by yourself and hurt that they seemingly didn’t love you enough to stay. You might feel you suddenly have to ‘grow up’ and support your surviving parent, look after younger brothers and sisters or hide your own grief to avoid upsetting the rest of the family. It’s important, however, that your own needs are recognised. You shouldn’t feel bad about going out with friends and being more independent, because learning how to go on with your life is part of the healing process.