As human beings, we make assumptions on a regular basis. When we walk outside and see dark clouds, we assume it is going to rain. So, we grab an umbrella to protect us from getting wet. Our assumptions are based on our own beliefs. They are shaped by our past experiences. They help us make sense out of this world. While one might assume that assumptions can often make grief after suicide even more complicated as we survivors search for the ...
Archives for October 2014
Coping with Halloween as a Survivor of Suicide
We're days out from one of the darker holidays of the year, when visual and audible reminders of death are prevalent throughout our communities. Coping with Halloween as a survivor of suicide can be difficult. Non-survivors have no idea how their graveyard displays or costumes impact us. One of our more popular posts from the past year was one I shared last October on this topic (click here to read it). I thought it might be helpful to revisit ...
Suicide in the Media
Last Week, Becky wrote about "Dying with Dignity" in which she discussed suicide in the media. The story that I've read about most recently was the 29-year old, Brittany Maynard, who is terminally ill, and has decided to end her life on November 1st. It was all over my social media feed and was even discussed last week with my friend Megan, who is also a survivor of suicide. As a survivor, it is difficult not to be impacted by suicide in the ...
Dying With Dignity in the News
The topic of dying with dignity or choosing an "end date" in life has inspired a couple of viral articles this week. This can be troublesome for survivors of suicide. Technically, no one chooses how and when they enter this world, but once they are here, it’s unsettling that anyone would want to pinpoint the timing in which they leave.
I first came across an article about a sports reporter who made a calculated, year-long decision to end his ...
Suicide Contagion
I previously wrote about suicide contagion in my post, "Is Suicide Contagious." I wanted to revisit the topic, as I believe it is a real concern for those who have lost a loved one to suicide as they often ask themselves if their lives will end in the same manner as their loved ones.
Shortly after the death of actor/comedian, Robin Williams, the NY Times published an article, "The Science Behind Suicide Contagion." In the article, the author ...