Offering hope, comfort and support for survivors of suicide loss.
This past week marked seven years since my dad took his life. It also feels the furthest progressed in my grief journey because it has reached the point where I'm sure friends and family wonder if it's too far along to say something anymore - myself included. How long do we go on speaking about THAT day, specifically? Are we supposed to? Is it awkward? Is it more awkward not to? We all know it's there. In the back of my mind, I made sure that on ...
I was sitting with a client of mine the other day. She is a young woman who has experienced a significant amount of trauma, that has left her feeling chronically suicidal. It is always a tough place for me to be. Professionally, I know how the demons can lead you to a place where you feel like there is nothing left to live for. However, as a survivor of a suicide loss, I know the devastating pain that is left behind. Like all of my clients, she ...
After losing a loved one comes the difficult task of deciding what to do with the cherished belongings that remind us of a life that used to be. Guest blogger Natalie reflects on the emotional experience of parting with her wedding ring after her late husband's suicide.
I took my wedding ring off soon after Chuck’s memorial service. I didn’t know if it was the “right” or “wrong” thing to do. I felt like a bad wife, a bad widow and a bad ...
Every survivor is uniquely affected by their loss(es). There isn't a map to navigate the pain, as everyone's pain is different. We posted the below picture on social media a few weeks back and asked our followers to respond to following statement, "Suicide left me behind....and______. We wanted to share a few of the comments that were made. It speaks to the depth of the pain that one faces in the aftermath of a loss to suicide. It also ...
Do you ever dream of your loved one who has died by suicide? Upon reading Kimberly Starr's guest post on this topic, I was reminded that it's been quite a while since my dad has appeared in my dreams. Early on, mine were built around themes of anger or conflict but I long for one like Kimberly experienced about her son.
"A Wish Granted" by Kimberly Starr
On days I have counseling, I often recount my sessions with my husband, LJ. Sharing my ...
