A new fear is created when you lose a loved one to suicide. The fear that you will lose someone else in the same manner. My grandmother died of cancer, yet I don't fear that someone else will meet the same fate. With suicide, the same is not true. Suicide creates a new type of anxiety, one that wasn't present prior. As a survivor four years out, I can say that it does get easier, yet it never goes away. This week, we welcome Andrea who ...
Dealing with Anxiety after a Suicide
Since losing my dad to suicide, the winter holidays seem to exacerbate my feelings of anxiety. His absence and the dramatic way his death impacted our family traditions becomes painfully clear this time of year. Coupled with this are coincidentally-timed stressful events that only fan the flames of my worries. (For instance, in December 2014, I panicked about returning to work post maternity-leave and felt a bit of déjà vu again this year.) At ...
Storytelling will Save the World…Yes, Even Yours
As we continue to expand on the survivor experience here at OurSideofSuicide.com, we frequently share the unique perspectives of others. Today, we bring you a bold and honest narrative from guest blogger Josh Rivedal, founder of The i’Mpossible Project, who survived the losses of two family members and his own suicide attempt.
Storytelling will Save the World… Yes, Even Yours
Captain’s log, Stardate January 2011. Where unfortunately many have ...
Breathe in, Breath Out. The Power of Our Breath.
For this week's motivational Monday, I would love for everyone to take the time to focus on their breath. Have you ever experienced panic or anxiety? I don't know anyone who hasn't. When we experience anxiety, our breath becomes shallow. The lack of oxygen to the brain, increases our heart rate which ultimately causes the panic that we experience. In that moment it can be so difficult to stop our brain from spiraling and redirect our focus ...
Getting Through the Holidays After a Loss
This will be the third Christmas since my Dad's 2011 suicide. It’s crazy to think that much time has passed since he died. He passed away in July, so the first Christmas, which was less than 5 months after, was horrible. I had so much anxiety and fear going into that holiday. I felt so alone—we were coming into the season where you’re supposed to celebrate and embrace family, and I felt like I didn’t have anyone. My Mom passed away three years ...