The holiday season can be especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, as we face a number of emotions including sadness, guilt, anger and shame. I have found that many survivors think about their loved ones more frequently during this time as we are reminded that they are no longer with us. Survivors often feel conflicted not knowing if it is ok to feel happy during this time of year. I have written a few posts about ...
More Tips to Help with Grief during the Holidays
At the last LOSS monthly meeting I attended, we discussed some tips to help with grief during the holidays. I wanted to share them with you all, as I have used many of them over the past few years. I have included them below along with my comments on what has worked best for me since losing both my mom and dad.
Openly Discuss Past Traditions
Talk things over with family and friends and make changes accordingly to the wishes of those who are ...
Fear After Suicide: Learning How to Be Courageous Again
Fearing the worst became a natural reaction after my dad died by suicide. Shocked by the unexpected, life-altering news of his death, my brain instinctively shifted to a permanent state of high alert. When friends and loved ones don’t answer their phone, I start to panic that something terrible happened. If I don’t receive an e-mail from someone in a timely manner, I immediately wonder if I need to check in on them further. Dismayed by my dad’s ...
Recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week 2013 with NØSTIGMAS
This week (Oct. 6-12) marks Mental Illness Awareness Week and I was thrilled to take part in a unique event
hosted by the global non-profit organization, NØSTIGMAS. I learned about NØSTIGMAS shortly after we launched this blog and was really moved by their efforts to raise awareness and erase the stigmas of suicide and mental illness. They collect and share stories of hope and inspiration to help educate the general public about mental ...
Moving On After Losing a Loved One to Suicide
I wanted to share the opening letter from the August LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) support group newsletter. It hit home with me as I know it was difficult for me to see other people around me move on pretty fast after my Dad died. I thought others might be able to benefit from this reflection about moving on after losing a loved one to suicide. I remember how upset I'd be when people would say, weeks and months after my Dad's ...
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