Suicide doesn't just affect the person who took their own life. It leaves a lasting impact on the loved ones left behind. Losing someone to suicide is one of the most complex forms of bereavement a person can experience, as was the case for Chris, a self-employed electrician who suffered the devastating loss of both of his daughters to suicide.
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Chris contacted the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) during a period of profound grief. He had been signed off work due to overwhelming feelings of grief and depression and was struggling to cope with day-to-day life. Alongside this, he had withdrawn from support services and was becoming increasingly isolated from friends and family.
Chris had already sought help from his GP and had recently started taking antidepressant medication. However, he had also begun experiencing thoughts of ending his own life.
Understanding the devastating impact suicide can have on those left behind, Chris recognised that he needed specialist support and reached out to EIC for help.
EIC Intervention
Following his referral, Chris's Case Manager quickly recognised that his lack of engagement was likely linked to the severity of his mental health difficulties rather than any unwillingness to accept support.
Chris was promptly matched with a specialist therapist, who made immediate contact. However, because of his poor mental state, Chris found it difficult to respond, missing phone calls and not replying to voicemails or text messages.
Rather than viewing this behaviour as a refusal of support, Chris's Case Manager recognised it as a symptom of his complex grief and deteriorating mental health. Maintaining a compassionate and person-centred approach, the Case Manager continued to check in regularly without applying pressure, ensuring Chris remained in control of how and when support was accessed.
As Chris became increasingly withdrawn, his case was eventually closed in line with standard procedures. Importantly, throughout this process, communication remained supportive and compassionate, making it clear that the door would remain open should he feel able to reconnect in the future.
Re-engagement
Just a few days after his case was closed, Chris contacted EIC again.
During a follow-up conversation, he explained that he had not intentionally ignored offers of support. Instead, he had reached a point where he was spending extended periods of time in bed, withdrawing from everyday activities and finding it almost impossible to communicate with others.
Chris recognised that he had been in denial about the severity of his situation and admitted that he had not been emotionally ready to accept support when it was first offered.
Receiving the case closure notification, however, prompted a period of reflection. Chris realised that his withdrawal was a clear indication that he needed help more than ever.
For the first time, he felt ready to begin counselling and asked for support to reconnect with therapeutic services. His case was reopened immediately.
This time, Chris was able to fully engage with treatment. Over the following weeks, he demonstrated a growing awareness of his mental health needs and began making meaningful progress through counselling.
Throughout his sessions, Chris acknowledged that he had reached a point where he could no longer cope alone. Accepting support became a significant first step on his journey towards healing and recovery.
Chris's story is an important reminder that recovery is rarely linear. For people experiencing profound grief and mental health challenges, accepting support can take time. Sometimes, the most meaningful thing an organisation can do is ensure that the door remains open, so that help is there when someone is ready to receive it.
For further information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly:
The Fundraising Team
020 3696 1710