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How Grief Rewires the Nervous System
CW: suicide loss, grief, trauma responses No one told me grief would begin to live in my body or that it would impact my nervous system for the foreseeable future. Once I was able to accept what had happened, I expected the sadness. I expected the crying, the fog, the heaviness that makes getting out of bed feel like an athletic event. What I didn't expect was the way my body would change — the way it would start responding to the world differently, like it had been reprogram

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Jun 174 min read


Advocating for Change: A Timeline of Efforts in Suicide Prevention on the Federal Level
CW: suicide, mental health Have you ever wondered how suicide prevention became a national priority? Have you also wondered how it can be...

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Mar 28, 20243 min read


Reducing Stigma by Learning the Facts: Suicide Myth-Busting
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

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Feb 22, 20243 min read


Unveiling the Heart and Navigating Emotions after Suicide Loss
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

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Jan 25, 20244 min read


Navigating the Winter Blues: Tools and Tricks for Survivors of Suicide Loss
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

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Dec 7, 20234 min read


Strength Through Loss: The Unmatched Resilience of Survivors of Suicide Loss
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

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Nov 16, 20233 min read


Power in Words: Affirmations for Coping with Suicide Loss
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

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Sep 21, 20232 min read


Navigating the Gift of Support: Witnessing a Friend Through the Loss of a Loved One to Suicide
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,

Rev. Marshall K Hammer
Aug 31, 20234 min read
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