Grief is commonly identified as the emotion experienced when mourning a loved one, but it encompasses much more than that. It represents a journey through a spectrum of feelings that arise following the death of someone significant.

Research shows there is a particular commonality of unexpected emotions associated with the grief process following suicide; emotions that are perhaps not deemed socially acceptable. Not all emotions are negative, and this can cause internal conflict for the bereaved. Added to the burden is the substantial stigma, which may lead to censorship of emotion, further adding to the complexity and loneliness of the grieving process.

This body of work explores the emotions encountered due to the loss of a partner to suicide. While awareness of suicide victims has increased significantly in recent years, the needs and experiences of the grieving families often remain overlooked.