Suicide Survivor's Bill of Rights

I have the right to be free of guilt. 

I have the right not to feel responsible for the suicide death. 

I have the right to express my feelings and emotions, even if they do not seem acceptable, as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others. 

I have the right to have my questions answered by authorities and family members. 

I have the right not to be deceived because others feel they can spare me further grief. 

I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness. 

I have the right to peace and dignity. 

I have the right to positive feelings about the one I lost through suicide, regardless of the events prior to or at the time of the death. 

I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged because of the suicide death. 

I have the right to seek counseling and a support group to enable me to honestly explore my feelings to further the acceptance process. 

I have the right to reach acceptance. 

I have the right to a new beginning. 

I have the right to be. 

Source: JoAnn C. Mecca Suicide Bereavement (Center for Inner Growth and Wholeness, Inc.)