Offering hope, comfort and support for survivors of suicide loss.
When I first read this quote it gave me goosebumps. I couldn't actually decide if I loved it or hated it. After thinking about it for a little while I realized why I loved it; it explains everything I feel about suicide. When someone dies by suicide we often question if we truly knew the person we lost. Very similar to the quote comparing life to "a beautiful lie." When the person dies in such a tragic manner, the life they lived just ...
Celebrating after suicide is difficult as we are reminded of our devastating loss. We get caught up telling the story of their death, limiting the time we spend talking about and celebrating the life they lived. Anniversaries, holidays, and birthdays become difficult as we are reminded that our loved one will not be present. On my own journey, I have found it easier to celebrate on these days. It reminds me of the life my father lived, and ...
I often write about this notion that grief has a clear beginning and a clear ending. My desire to continue to write about this is driven by the consistent comments I get from other survivors about feeling like they are "not normal" for not moving forward at the pace that their inner circle deems appropriate. My advice? Stop talking to the people that make you feel like you should be further than you are. The energy you waste trying to explain ...
Surviving the loss of a loved one to suicide can be especially difficult for those who are not blood relatives or a spouse of the deceased. It’s not uncommon for survivors in these instances to feel lonely, alienated by the family or even blamed for what happened. Today we share the story of Jean Mellano, who lost her partner Steve after 33 years together. She details her difficult experience as a partner and not the spouse, originally published ...
While this quote mentions the loss of a child, I think it applies to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. I hate that when I start to talk about my dad, the room often becomes silent. I get those silent grins as people remember that my father died by suicide. Almost four years after losing my dad, I still feel like talking about him brings the mood down in the room. My father died at 62 years old. 62 years of life before his death. I ...
