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A person having to deal with the suicide of a loved one doesn't see the world like they use to. Everything around them seems bitter and worthless. They are filled with an insatiable and devastating desire for understanding. Being left with unanswered questions added to the constant thought they could have been able to prevent the worth of a life is a heavy load to carry and unfortunately, the guilt resulting from such an experience is a feeling that will take time to fade away, but never will it completely vanish.

The best thing one could help a person through this, would possibly try to make them realize the guilt they feel is overvalued. Losing loved ones is already hard enough, but having to feel responsible for their death is a completely different concern.
Explaining they shouldn't take the blame will take time and perseverance but this is the only way they can be ready to accept it and go on with their own life. You may not need to speak; sometimes listening, staying silent or just being there provides the necessary support.
Time is the key. Too often, insignificant words, actions for others will make the past come back and guilt will reappear for a few seconds. However, with the effect of time, these moments will become shorter and after a while, they will be able to reflect and talk about it serenely.

It has been now almost two years since I have lost someone very important to me. I was the last person to see him before he chose to end his life. Until now, there is not one day that passes without the thought of him going through my head.
People dealing with suicide don't let appear their misery. It becomes this dark room that nothing can enlighten and which is part of your person. After a while, you just learn to live with it, and don't even feel the need to reject it. Only recently have I realized how lucky I have been to be the one he wished to be with the last day of his life. There are things I will just never understand.

Someone who is going through the suicide of a loved one will pretend to be fine and to seem strong. Don't force them to talk, they will when they know they are ready. You can't protect them, or make things go faster. Just be there, you're already doing more than you think you are.

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