In a matter of days, the semicolon tattoo has become an overnight sensation. For those who have not heard of the The Semicolon Movement, it was created on Tumblr "to restore hope and confidence in people who are troubled by addiction, depression, self-harm, and suicide." It is a way to tell the world, "my story isn't finished yet." Since its introduction, many have chosen to permanently place the semicolon tattoo on themselves as an everyday ...
Another Perspective on Death by Suicide
One of the main reasons this blog was created was to offer a different perspective on grief. Prior to my dad's death by suicide, I had only experienced death by natural cause. While any loss is painful, the loss of my father introduced me to a deeper pain than I had ever known. In the months following my dad's death I remember feeling so alone. How could anyone TRULY understand the intense emotions I was experiencing within. It simply isn't ...
Shame on You! Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness
This week we welcome guest writer, Maggie White, who lost her brother to suicide. Maggie offers a unique perspective as she is not only a survivor, but someone living with mental illness. Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, Maggie resides in Downers Grove, Illinois, with her husband, Sean and their five children, Colin, Moira, Shannon, Aileen and Patrick. She has just published her first children’s book A Christmas Guest, a story which ...
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 ...
Is Suicide Contagious?
On Sunday night, Oprah's network OWN, aired 'Running From Crazy', a documentary examining the personal journey of, Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, as she strives for a greater understanding of her family history of suicide and mental illness. As a survivor, I relate to Mariel's overwhelming fear that has guided her on her quest to lead a life of purpose. A quest to ensure that the ending to her story does not mirror those ...