Expert warns of complex trauma for families after suicide

How does suicide affect families?

702's Clement Manyathela asked Dr Keitumetse Mashego, a Clinical Psychologist, about some of the most common emotional reactions in the early days and weeks.

When someone dies by suicide, it impacts those who remain in a multi-layered way. Denial is common, and surprise, so when it does happen, acceptance can be difficult, and many people struggle with guilt and stigma.

"Unfortunately for some religions, it's seen as sin. It can also cause feelings of abandonment and confusion."

"The mind is a sponge, so any images you are taking in or just imagining what could've happened, that can create secondary traumatisation, whereby you actually start to experience PTSD like symptoms.

"Grief is a journey that you have to embark on, but it can be delayed or complicated when the death is by suicide."

"They felt like they were in a dark hole, and even if you put a light on that hole, they would not see the light. Often, people wonder, 'But this person was so happy on social media?' They had everything going for them. But they don't know what was going on internally within that person."

Unfortunately, it can have a generational impact. "So, if a parent has died by suicide, there's a likelihood that those children will struggle for the rest of their lives and vice versa."

Sometimes, certain family members start blaming each other.

Mashego says, in cases like these, she recommends that family members seek professional help.

"You know, there'll be certain things that you remember, but there is no logic. And I'm not trying to downplay what has happened."