CW: suicide loss, grief For a long time after my dad died, I was a detective. I replayed conversations. I analyzed text messages. I interrogated my own memories like a witness who couldn't keep her story straight. What did he say that Tuesday? Did his voice sound different? Was that comment a clue I missed? I wasn't just grieving. I was investigating. I thought if I could just figure out why, something would click into place. The chaos would organize itself into a narrative t

CW: suicide loss Losing someone to suicide is one of the most painful experiences imaginable. The grief can feel like a relentless storm, battering your heart and soul. But I've learned that healing is possible, even when the pain seems unbearable, and learning the ways my particular self and system functions has helped me cope after suicide loss. Let me share what has helped me through this journey, from the depths of my heart. The grief of losing my dad to suicide in 2011

CW: suicide, mental health Have you ever wondered how suicide prevention became a national priority? Have you also wondered how it can be...

Losing a loved one to suicide spurs countless questions around the “why” and “how”. In our search for answers, misunderstandings arise about factors leading to suicide. Myths can negatively impact those grieving and fuel stigma. By learning facts on suicide and sharing real stories, we gain insight for prevention while reducing misconceptions. Image by Md Abdul Rashid/Pixabay Six Myths About Suicide versus the Facts Myth #1: Suicide happens without warning signs. Fact: Most

In the silent aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide, emotions become a turbulent sea, with waves of guilt, anger, and profound grief crashing against the shores of our existence. This blog invites you to navigate the complex labyrinth of feelings that survivors grapple with in the wake of such a devastating loss. From the weight of self-blame to the isolating shadows of stigma, we embark on a journey through the heartache, shedding light on the common struggles that weav

The winter season can be particularly challenging for survivors of suicide loss, as the shorter days and colder weather can amplify feelings of grief and sadness. However, incorporating specific tools and tricks into your daily routine can make a significant difference in navigating the winter blues. Image by Arek Socha/Pixabay I've found multiple ways to improve my winters after losing my father to suicide. I used to dread the winter and even the first signs of autumn and co

The human spirit possesses an incredible capacity for resilience, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the lives of survivors of suicide loss. These individuals have faced a tragedy that goes beyond the bounds of normal grief, challenging the very foundations of their beliefs and understanding of the world. In the aftermath of such a profound loss, survivors emerge as some of the strongest people, rebuilding their shattered worldviews from the ground up. Image by

If you've lost a loved one to suicide, you know the depths of sorrow that can surround you, especially in the first few months after the loss. Being confronted with such a traumatic experience can be incredibly challenging, and it is difficult to remember oneself amidst the swirling and incessant thoughts of the person who died. Positive affirmations can serve as powerful tools in coping with suicide loss. They can promote healing and remind us of our need (and right) to self

The loss of a loved one to suicide is a heartbreaking and complex experience that requires careful support from friends and family. When the option of support from other survivors of suicide loss isn’t within reach, let’s explore some meaningful ways to provide comfort and solace to a friend who is grieving a loss by suicide. Image: Vicki Nunn/Pixabay 1. Active Listening and Open Communication: Individuals experiencing grief often need someone to talk to about their feelings,