Suicide After Suicide: What We Must Do to Break the Cycle

Each day, from every corner of the world, people left in the devastating aftermath of suicide call out to other survivors of such loss wherever they gather. It is helpful to connect with people who have experienced similar tragedies and are trying to make sense of what happened to their lives. Another, more painful reason they seek comfort from strangers is this: in the case of suicide, those who knew them best often withdraw or are unable to help because of misunderstanding and fear. Most do survive and go on to rebuild, but some experience multiple suicides and a few follow loved ones by ending their own lives. As a survivor myself, I listen to their voices. I hear the pain they feel. I share it. And I try to pass on the positive things I’ve learned on my own grief journey.  Healing is possible. It won’t always feel as heavy as it does now. Love outlasts pain. I’m an old-timer in the suicide loss survivor world. But I know some level of hurt will always be there, even as they find ways to honor lost loved ones and stitch their own lives back together. Understanding, acceptance, processing this grief … all are bits of a puzzle never to be completely worked, a mystery that changes lives forever. Though these words were in print, I heard the despair as one parent asked, “Why are there so many 19-year-old sons dying by suicide?” By now, it is common knowledge that the epidemic is growing and has been for quite a while. The current pandemic and its effects on jobs ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Depression Grief and Loss Suicide Suicide contagion suicide loss survivor Survivor Guilt Source Type: blogs