Unspoken Exhale
Grief. Without Shame
Supporting people bereaved by auto-erotic asphyxiation.
Bereavement is hard enough without being forced into silence because people find the manner of death taboo. Too often this is the reality of those bereaved by auto-erotic asphyxiation, and other sexual practices face.
If this is your experience, you may have found yourself navigating this without the right language, without understanding, and often without support.
At Unspoken Exhale, we believe that everyone has the right to talk about their grief, in a safe, non-judgmental space.
We exist to break the silence, and reduce the isolation that so many experience when grieving such a loss; offering compassionate, peer-led support and accessible resources for anyone navigating this complex and often misunderstood form of bereavement.
A space to grieve. Without shame.
Our Mission
Unspoken Exhale supports individuals and communities affected by the death of a loved one in the context of consensual sex-related practices, such as erotic asphyxiation. Our mission is to create a safe, compassionate space for partners, family, friends, and professionals affected by this type of loss.
Why Unspoken Exhale Exists
Unspoken Exhale was founded by Samantha Langford in 2025. When Samantha was 16, her eldest brother died by auto-erotic asphyxiation. For many years, this kind of loss was rarely spoken about openly.
When she first wrote publicly about the taboo nature of this grief in 2022, she was struck by how many people quietly reached out, relieved simply to see the words spoken out loud.
That response revealed something important: many people are grieving this kind of loss in silence.
Unspoken Exhale was created to offer connection, understanding and support for those navigating this often misunderstood form of bereavement.
What we do
– Provide peer-led support to reduce isolation and stigma
– Share accurate information about the risks and realities of sex-related deaths
– Encourage sensitive, responsible reporting
– Offer training and guidance for professionals
– Support individuals and families navigating the inquest process
For people who are bereaved
For professionals
Bereavement professionals sometimes encounter this type of loss with little guidance or language.
Unspoken Exhale is developing resources and a professional community to support practitioners working with AEA-related bereavement.
If you would like to stay informed about developments, please contact us.
Important Notice
Please be aware that Unspoken Exhale is not a clinical service, and we are not able to offer crisis or emergency support.
If you are looking for immediate support, you can contact Samaritans (available 24/7 on 116 123 or www.samaritans.org).
Bereavement support can also be found through Cruse Bereavement Support (www.cruse.org.uk), and for information and signposting to bereavement services, you can visit AtaLoss (www.ataloss.org).