Offering hope, comfort and support for survivors of suicide loss.
Today, we welcome a post from guest blogger, Corinne. Her story reminds us of the importance of fighting the battle to end the stigma surrounding both suicide and mental illness, as well as of the work that still needs to be done within our mental health system. She recently lost her mother to bipolar disorder and suicide. We are honored to share Corinne's story:
Just a few months ago, on June 9, 2014, I lost my radiant and infinitely ...
This week, Sept. 8-14, 2014, marks National Suicide Prevention Week. Each year, leading organizations on the topic are able to use this week as a platform to inform and remind survivors or those who may be worried about a loved one of warnings signs or measures they can take to help save lives.
National Suicide Prevention Week comes at an interesting time this year. Having just experienced the loss of Robin Williams, suicide (and prevention) ...
Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide, knows that it forever changes your life. It rocks your world in a way that no other death can. It leaves you feeling helpless, hopeless and completely lost. The emotions are overwhelming and the "why's" and "what if's" consume you. You are overcome with anger as you question how the person you loved could have left you here, alone, completely broken. You try and put the puzzle together, only to ...
This week marks an unbelievable three years since my dad’s death. As I was developing this post, I almost included the word “anniversary” in my title. However, I realized that term usually has a happy connotation – like with a wedding – and I didn’t feel like using it this time around. Some days, it feels like he left us only yesterday, but on other occasions, it feels like so much longer. I’ve had new jobs, a new house, a new car and a new baby ...
Among the flood of commentary surrounding highly-publicized suicides, I always grimace at the naïve and ignorant statements made by those who haven’t been touched by mental illness or a loss of this nature. Reading or hearing things like, “what a selfish act,” are extremely hurtful and perpetuate the unfortunate stigma facing survivors. It also demonstrates a lack of understanding of the impact of mental illness on those who are struggling. It’s ...
