“My 26 year old sister took her life 5 months ago. I know grief is hard to figure out, but I am a mess and I cry all the time. I was doing fine (as fine as one can after losing a loved one, i guess) the first few months, but I feel like I was just hit on the head with a ton of bricks. I miss her so much. I think I’m finally figuring out that she’s gone and that there is nothing I can do to bring her back. I know these feelings are normal but it doesn’t make it any easier to function. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that is trying to heal from a loved one’s suicide. I have a lot of supportive friends and a wonderful husband but I don’t want to bring them down into my sadness. I think they would be surprised to find out that I’m having a hard time months later. I’m pretty good at putting on an act of normalcy but I know that I will never be the same person I was. I just want it to get easier” ~ sophieliza
Experiencing the suicide of a loved one is devastating. Others who have survived this loss acknowledge they will never be the same. The immediate, overwhelming intensity of emotion may feel impossible to endure. You may be flooded with successive waves of grief, confusion, guilt, shock, anger, shame or other emotions. Yet survival is possible. And real, substantial healing is possible. Where do you go from here???
Many forms of support are available to help survivors through this complicated grieving process. Some choose individual therapy–which might begin at Precious Life (Call 830.372.5980). If you are outside our area, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a national listing of survivor support groups. Some choose to meet with other survivors, who can share unique aspects of their loss and the healing process.
The American Association of Suicidology offers a comprehensive Survivors of Suicide handbook.
It is not uncommon for survivors of suicide to consider suicide, themselves, in moments when they feel they cannot endure the pain. But this does not mean you have to die. If YOU are thinking of suicide, we hope you will seek whatever help you need to keep living–and to heal. Please contact either Precious Life Services or the national hot-line at 1-800-273-8255
Thank you for visiting our blog! For more resources and available help, please visit http://www.preciouslifeservices.com
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Precious Life Crusade Teen Suicide Prevention 