Some people may question why they should continue to live when a loved one was murdered.

While suicidal thoughts are not uncommon, you should seek professional help and support if you or someone you know are having thoughts of self-harm or killing themselves.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER

DIAL 911 FOR IMMEDIATE HELP.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide speak to someone immediately. If you do not have a family doctor or counsellor who you can contact, Call the 24 hour Distress Line at 780 482 HELP (4357). You may also contact the Canada Suicide Prevention Service Hours: Available 24 hours for calls; Available 4 PM—12 AM ET for texts. Call or text 1-833-456-4566 SMS: 45645

Initially, many people have experienced:

1. Shaking, chills, nausea, weakness, and a dry mouth.

2. Denial that this has happened.   Denial is a protective response and is your body helping you process happened.

3. Anger / Rage / Hysteria

4. Overwhelmed & unable to cope

5. Feeling there was something that could or should have been done to change the outcome

Anxiety is something many people experience it is common to feel you cannot cope.

1. Feelings of helplessness,

2. No control of the situation, you cannot change of fix what has happened

For those whose loved one was murdered grief is different from anything they previously have experienced.  

Over time, the shock and trauma of a homicide can cause physical symptoms and harm. Contact a health professional, If you begin to experience prolonged:

1. Changes in appetite - Overeating; binge eating. Under-eating, loss of appetite.

2. Sleep disturbances - Oversleeping; difficulty falling asleep or awakening in the night, an inability to get started/ motivated for another day.  Lack of sleep; nightmares, dreaming about the loss; interrupted sleep.

3. Exaggeration of other physical situations: Blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, digestive and stomach problems, headaches/migraines.

Find a group of people who are experiencing the same thing vou are. 'Thev will understand vour anger, pain and confusion. Thev have walked the same journey and know what you are going through. Do not hesitate to seek counselling from a professional…..he/she will be able to understand the complexity of your grief.

Look for people to help you through the trauma.