In a previous post, I wrote about the Stages of Grief after suicide and how they relate to survivors (click here to revisit the post). I challenged the notion that these stages apply to a survivor in the same manner that they apply to someone who loses a loved one "naturally." As a psychotherapist, I understand that the stages are a blueprint to be used to help others understand their grief journey. However, as a survivor I continue to question ...
Archives for February 2014
Celebrating Birthdays After Death
These past two weeks have been mentally draining for me. Last Tuesday, February 11th, would have been my Mom's 60th birthday, and Monday February 17th would have been my Dad's 57th birthday. Since my Dad passed in 2011, February has been a rough month.
Last week, I did not think I was that stressed about their birthdays, but by Friday my face completely broke out, I binged on a ton of sugary food (which is very unlike me) and have felt ...
Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
If I could contribute one thing to the world, it would be to assist with ending the stigma surrounding mental illness. I was not always so passionate about this topic. I haven't always been open about mental illness, nor have I always had the need to bring awareness to the subject. Slowly I have become more passionate, and it became more of a life mission after the loss of my father.
When I was in college, I dreamt of a life in corporate ...