What makes this so difficult? They chose to end their life Rejection Abandonment Isolation Embarrassment Stigma Frustration Added responsibility Forced to face difficult reality Adjustment to living alone Confusion Guilt Anger Depression Anxiety attacks Post-traumatic stress Finding the body Not being able to see the body Disbelief Flashbacks Horror Lost dreams Unanswered questions (WHY?) Method of suicide Others' expectations Healing too slowly Healing too fast Fear of losing others Suicidal thoughts Physical ailments No one wants to hear about suicide Wounds from family history Wounds from the relationship Anniversary dates |
What do I do with the difficulties? Choose to survive a day at a time Take responsibility for yourself Take care of yourself Let others take care of you Ask for what you need and want Make decisions as a family Get a survival plan Give yourself time Talk about the suicide Talk about the victim Write about the suicide Write letters to the victim Read about suicide Read about personal growth Read about the grieving process Give yourself permission to grieve Exercise Take a walk Take a trip Feel all of your feelings Find safe friends Talk about your feelings Take some risks Learn to trust Join a survivors support group Talk to a counselor Consider medication if prescribed Heal some historical wounds Face reality Serenely accept what you can't change Courageously change what you can Ask for wisdom to know the difference |
| Return To Top Of Page |
| The Glass Door | An Unplanned Trip | Unanswered Questions |
| The Forgiveness Road | Basic Plan For Survival | Picking Up The Pieces |
| It's A God Thing | Anniversaries | Anguish to Activism |
| Against the Odds: A Widow's Perspective |
Left Behind: A Daughter's View |
Healing Poetry: A Daughter Writes To Her Father |