An abstract watercolor painting featuring vibrant colors blending together, symbolizing the complexity and depth of emotions associated with grief and healing, painted by Dylan, age 5, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
Summary
A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief recounts the author’s decade-long healing journey after the loss of her son, Dylan. She shares her experiences of grief, resilience, and the significance of community support, therapy, and self-reflection. Finding solace in nature and gratitude for small moments, she acknowledges that healing from such a profound loss is ongoing. This work offers valuable insights into grief and resonates deeply with those sharing similar experiences.
A beautiful orange rose symbolizes love and resilience, reflecting the journey of hope and healing in the face of grief, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
Introduction
A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief reflects on the author’s journey through grief that both honors Dylan’s memory and seeks to share her story to help others facing similar tragedies. As she delves into the experiences that shaped her healing process, she uncovers the importance of community support, therapy, and self-reflection, ultimately discovering a path toward hope and resilience amidst the darkness.
a testament to the enduring power of love
A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the possibility of finding light, even when shrouded in the shadow of losing a child to suicide. Ten years after the loss of a child, grief is still very much a reality, though it can evolve to include hope, even moments of happiness, alongside the sadness. Moving through the journey of grief after losing a child to suicide for a decade involves acknowledging the pain and finding ways to integrate the loss into a new life.
For here now, I stay, Breathing love you gave, My ache cradling you, My heart with you always.
Beth Brown, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
My Forever Son explores the profound grief, hope, and healing that follow the tragedy of losing a child to suicide.
My Forever Son dovetails the author’s journey of descending into deep grief, searching for hope, and finding healing along the way.
Table of Contents
A vibrant sunflower symbolizing hope and resilience amidst grief, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
A Decade of Healing: A Mother’s Journey of Reflection After Losing My Son to Suicide
For here now, I stay, Breathing love you gave, My ache cradling you, My heart with you always.
Beth Brown, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
Memories of You Bring Fleeting Glimpses of Joy
I remember sitting with you at the kitchen table, pouring over cookie recipe books, asking, “Does this sound good? Just listen. . .”
And we would make a list, a long list filled with all your favorites of cookies to bake. We would laugh and share stories about the flavors we loved—the rich chocolate chips, the crunchy oats, the soft, chewy caramel.
We reminisced about the cookies we’d made last year, recalling those special batches that turned out perfectly and those that didn’t quite turn out properly. The year the Gingerbread cookies plumped up too much and the shapes melded into each other. The smell of vanilla and warm butter would fill the air as we envisioned our little baking marathon.
With every recipe you chose, I could almost taste the final product, sweet and comforting, just like the memories we created in that familiar kitchen. Each cookie was more than just a treat—it was a token of joy, laughter, and togetherness that we cherished deeply.
Sugar cookies, Molasses Crinkles, Snickerdoodles, Candy Cane cookies, Blondies, Chocolate Fudge—and oh how that list would go on.
We would tackle them all, he and I, spend snowy afternoons baking, stirring sweet batter, measuring love in teaspoons. Oh the memories—Oh the ache.
Beth Brown, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
A nostalgic cookie recipe list, featuring beloved favorites like Sugar Cookies, Snickerdoodles, and Molasses Crinkles, symbolizing cherished memories of baking together, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm GriefA serene landscape painting featuring a vast expanse of clouds and sunlight breaking through, symbolizing hope and healing in the aftermath of loss, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
A Letter to My Son: Ten Years of Heartache
This Absence of You
There is an ache, a sadness, the heaviness of accepting this absence of you that, just for today, has taken the overture of 10 years in the making.
Walking through hell on earth without you. There is an ache, a sadness, the heaviness of accepting this absence of you that, just for today, has taken the overture of 10 years in the making. In three weeks, my birthday, remarkable in that I have survived these last ten years without you. In the beginning, I didn’t think I could.
I Still Feel I’m Losing You
I lost my identity when you died, and in so many ways, I’m still losing you.
I lost my identity when you died, and in so many ways, I’m still losing you. And with the sweep of my birthday? Yet more losing, slipping away, forward, forward, the spinning incessant, the days numbered and yet not knowing when time will mark forever stamped with the permanence of death. I hate that I think like this, but Dylan, kiddo, you died and changed everything about my life.
Lacking Your Permanence, I Falter in My Own
Lacking your permanence, I falter in my own. It is difficult to finish anything of consequence, for always I’m left feeling I’ve an unfinished life.
I miss you more than words can write, more than heart can rend, and still, even after 10 years, I most want to be with you. Lacking your permanence, I falter in my own. It is difficult to finish anything of consequence, for always I’m left feeling I’ve an unfinished life. Chapters, pages, story line, plot, the rise and then fall, denouement, all of it missing in a way that I will not ever make sense of this life again.
I’m left feeling I’ve an unfinished life: Chapters, pages, story line, plot, the rise and then fall, denouement, all of it missing in a way that I will not ever make sense of this life again.
Living in a Book Unfinished
I forever miss the you that is me, and I forever miss the me that died with you.
I do not like living in a book unfinished, and yet I am unfinished, an anguished truth where some days seem impossible. Your birthday looms, then Mother’s Day, then your Memorial Date, then back-to-school and all those seasons I find so difficult to move through: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve. I forever miss the you that is me, and I forever miss the me that died with you.
Whimsical illustration of two winged pigs, symbolizing a lighthearted escape amidst the heaviness of grief, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
Lost without you
Were you?
Are you?
Where are you?
A young boy engaging with music on a keyboard, showcasing a moment of creativity and exploration, Dylan, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
A Decade of Tears: Finding a Way to Go On, Even When It Feels Like I’m Living Out Someone Else’s Life
I have found a way to go on, though so often feel I am living out, walking out, someone else’s life.
Ache. Pain. Gaining traction these past ten years, eroding bits and pieces of me in ways that I can both feel and see. Damage done beyond my means, I have found a way to go on, though so often feel I am living out someone else’s life. Someone I don’t know. Didn’t know. Know nothing about. Someone I am not, but in whose shoes I walk and into whose life I’ve stumbled.
Even after a decade of grief and healing, I can’t find my way without you. I remember then, but live out now. A line of demarcation. Then. Now. And I live in the sum distance of this in-between. Reaching to where forever is that you forever are. Living in the in-between here and there. Caught in the chasm of a life not quite my own.
Let Me Stay in the Soliloquy
I linger, but it is not I who is doing the living. She who I’ve built these past 10 years stands in my place.
Such is my life now and sometimes? Sometimes I am genuinely happy. Sometimes, which is good enough for now. Let me stay in the soliloquy here, serenity in whiteness of snow, beauty in having made an exquisite Black Bean soup for supper. Hope finds me most when I practice being grateful for the small things of an ordinary day.
For Here Now, I Stay
Hope finds me most when I practice being grateful for the small things of an ordinary day.
Here, just for now, I stay here now. I am grateful for this place, a pause after a chaotic several months.
Hope finds me most when I practice being grateful for the small things of an ordinary day. Especially when of the rest of the world is spinning out of control.
My heart’s joy, my life’s light, the book of my life–I wish so much you had stayed to live past the chapters of pain. I wish I could have done more to help heal wounds that I bore (and still bear) too. I miss you so much my son.
Sometimes, it’s as though I am in some kind of fog, a fog, a thick, can’t-see-clear kind of fog, and through a mist
So many days, so much time having passed and yet still as it has been still these past ten years. Sometimes, it’s as though I am in some kind of fog, a fog, a thick, can’t-see-clear kind of fog, and through a mist: Where did you go, my child, where did you go?
Where did you go, my child, where did you go?
Were you?
Are you?
Where are you?
A young child wearing headphones, captured in a moment of concentration, Dylan, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
A young boy enjoying a red apple outdoors, capturing a moment of childhood innocence, Dylan, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
And in a world spinning madly, I cling to this one still, small hope–that I will see you again
If I could have stopped the trajectory Dylan was on, would my life be different now? I’d certainly like to think so. Such a beautiful start, forever ruptured by where, in reaching for stars, my son fell from sky.
And now? Now it is I who hurl forward on this trajectory set in motion 9 years, 4 months, and 3 days ago. Eclipsed. Lacking permanence of sun. Shadows cast fallen amidst sliver of sky.
And in a world spinning madly, I cling to this one still, small hope–that I will see you again.
When I Get to See You Again
I will hold on I will clutch you I will never let you go My Forever Son
Once upon a blue-sky moon, We sailed our ships in your bedroom, With stars for light, we fled the dark But the lightening flashed, And the blue sky arced.
You tucked away your childhood dreams On wings that soared beyond infinity, Your love in me and me in you, But out of reach, beyond what I could do.
I launched your dreams, You took great flight On wings alone you soared too high, But you found ways to onward flee To galaxies beyond my means.
I watched you drift through hazy sky, And chalked it up to a teenage angst, But oh my son, if I’d only known I’d have reached right in to your dark night’s soul--
I would have held on, I would have clutched you, I would have never let you go
But you told me “Mom I love you” Oh my child, if I’d only known.
So I kissed you and I held you, And I said goodnight, Not knowing, blue-star moon, I would lose you that night.
You lived, you breathed, alive in pain Through storm-dark nights and cloudy haze, But I didn’t know what I couldn’t see, The damage done beyond my means.
My sky is dark, my nights deep blue My winter’s come, my star’s with you, Without you here, I cannot fly My wings you clipped That starless night.
And I live on and onward flee Towards you my son and to infinity, Where dreams come true and you live on, And we fly again around planets and sun.
With stars that glow against the moon, Your love in me and me in you.
I will hold you, You will clutch me, We will never let go,
And you’ll tell me, “Mom, I love you” And tears from earth will overflow, And I’ll know then, blue sky-moon, To never ever let you go.
A tranquil pathway lined with fallen leaves, symbolizing the journey of reflection and remembrance, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm GriefA magnifying glass focusing on the text ‘Frequently asked Questions’ emphasizing the importance of addressing common inquiries about long-term grief, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
Frequently Asked Questions: Insights and Strategies for Navigating Longterm Grief
What are some ways to navigate longterm grief and loss?
Navigating Longterm Grief: Insights and Strategies
Recognize the enduring nature of grief
Grief is a process that changes you permanently and constantly, just like love. It’s not a one-time event that goes away completely, but rather something that evolves and changes over time. It’s normal to still experience waves of intense yearning, pain, anger, or sadness, even many years after the loss.
Grief years later is often more manageable than the acute pain of early loss, but it’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself. Your grief is your love for your child and grief counselor David Kessler advises us to “Build a Life of Love Around the Loss.”
[Suggested Reading]: Finding Solace After Losing a Child to Suicide: “Build a Life of Love Around the Loss” explores the emotional turmoil of grief and offers guidance for healing. Through personal narratives and expert insights, the article emphasizes that parents are not alone in their pain and provides 16 practical tips for continuing the bonds with the lost child. It highlights the importance of coping strategies, honoring deceased loved ones, and navigating the complexities of grief.
What are some healthy coping mechanisms for longterm grief and healing?
Embrace healthy coping mechanisms
Honoring your child’s memory: Engage in activities that keep your child’s memory alive, such as looking at photos, revisiting special places, listening to their favorite music, volunteering for a cause, creating a garden, or creating a scholarship in their honor.
Expressing feelings: Talk openly about your grief with trusted friends or family members who offer support without judgment. Journaling, writing letters, or using creative outlets like art or music can also be helpful.
Building resilience: Focus on self-care, maintaining a healthy routine, connecting with social networks, and exploring new interests or skills.
Seeking professional help: If grief feels overwhelming or impacts your ability to function, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor specializing in grief and bereavement. Support groups can also provide a safe space to share experiences and connect with others.
[Suggested Reading]:Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: Support, Resources, and Self-Care for Bereaved Parents offers a comprehensive list of resources and support for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. It includes personal insights, professional perspectives, and a curated selection of books and support groups. The author, Beth Brown, shares her own experience of losing her son to suicide and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and understanding.
How do I find meaning and purpose in longterm grief?
Find meaning and purpose
It is not unusual to feel lost in early grief. There are no time limits for moving through the grief challenges of losing a child to suicide.
The pain in the beginning of grief after suicide loss can be intense, and it takes time to “heal” from such acute pain. Eventually the devastating pain of early grief becomes manageable enough to focus on finding meaning and purpose.
[Suggested Reading]: From Sorrow to Joy: How Pain Colors Loss in Grief explores the author’s journey of grief and healing after losing her son to suicide. Through a magnet symbolizing the struggle between pain and hope, the author reflects on the possibility of finding light and joy amidst profound loss. The author emphasizes that sorrow and joy are inseparable, and that light can coexist with darkness.
How do I cope with complicated longterm grief (prolonged grief disorder)?
Address complicated grief (prolonged grief)
Intense, persistent grief that is overwhelming and impacts your ability to function, even years after the loss, may be indicative of complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder (PGD). PGD can increase the risk of physical and mental health issues, including heart disease and depression. Specialized therapies can help process emotions, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier coping strategies.
[Suggested Read]: Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder After Suicide provides a compassionate look at “Prolonged Grief Disorder,” previously known as complicated grief. This condition emphasizes the difficult experience of long-term mourning, especially after a suicide. Grief from suicide often includes feelings of guilt, shame, and stigma, complicating the healing process. Recognizing grief as a disorder can lead to necessary professional support, yet it remains a deeply personal experience that requires understanding and care.
A close-up of delicate orange and pink daylilies blooming among vibrant green foliage, symbolizing hope and resilience, My Forever Son, A Decade After Suicide Loss: Reflections on Longterm Grief
Coping With Losing a Child to Suicide: Reflections on Finding Light After Loss
“People often say, “I don’t know how you’re doing it.” I tell them that I’m not. I’m not deciding to wake up in the morning. I just do. Then I put one foot in front of the other because there’s nothing else to do. Whether I like it or not, my life is continuing, and I have decided to be part of it.”
By acknowledging grief, embracing healthy coping mechanisms, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate this challenging path while honoring your beloved child and moving toward healing and renewed hope.
Grief is not something we get over but something we move through
David Kessler, a leading grief expert, (Grief.com) emphasizes that grief is not something we get over but something we move through.
I would add, in my ten years’ experience with grief after losing my son to suicide, grief comes in the absence of loss to remind us, always, of the love we lost. I still, after more than a decade of grief and healing, find my son everywhere. My grief has not “healed,” and I have not “moved through” as in “moved on” from grief. Like David Kessler, I, too, believe my grief is my love for my child. As long as I love my son, I will grieve his loss.
But my grief has changed shape. I’ve grown around my grief, around the hole in my heart that remains because of the tremendous depth of love I have for my son. I live that my son might live through me, and I carry my son’s love with me, always.
Light after loss is not as easy as something we can turn on again at will. Light seeps in around the margins of our deep grief, and hope comes in glimpses in quiet moments of gratitude.
A quiet moment with a cup of tea, watching the changing colors of the seasons, taking a walk: Hope is found in the smallest increments and the smallest of measures. Finding solace comes as we “Build a Life of Love Around [Our] Loss” (David Kessler, Grief.com)
My Forever Son: Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide
Delicate pink flowers blooming amidst vibrant green leaves, symbolizing hope and renewal, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide
Healing the Deep Wound of Losing My Son
Grief and Healing After Losing a Child: “To Hold This Pain and This Beauty Side-by- Side”
The light is soft, it is beautiful here, there is a breeze. The pain is always there for us. It will be waiting at the apartment when we return tonight, it will be lying next to us in bed or come to us when we wake; we always have it. But we have to let this beauty in, too. That will be the work of all the rest of our days: to hold this pain and this beauty side by side, without letting the one crush or crowd out the other. We have to let this beauty in, too.
Sarah Wildman, I Am Trying to See What My Beautiful Daughter Saw, Aug. 25, 2023, New York Times
Grieving the Deep Wound of Losing My Son
Healing the deep wound of losing my son is ongoing in my life. It always will be. Always he is there. In my sleep, my waking hours. On his birthday and mine. When on his memorial date I go to see him where he is not. His grave. For he walks with me. We remember, and I smile with love and with heartbreak. These are not easily separated. Ache and love walk together, joined in my heart.
In early grief, only ache flowed through me. All the time. Everywhere. In his room. In my work. I couldn’t breathe without him.
Healing Through Carrying Pain and Love Together
Now, thirteen years later, my love for my son and my ache of missing him have joined together. My ache is my love, and I have grown accustomed to carrying the weight. I have moved forward in my life. Not moved on, for that implies I left something, someone, behind.
Dylan is always with me. Nudging me to smile at the little things in life. The silly antics of my two rescue kittens. The depth and brilliance of my gardens–flowers, shrubs, trees, a water pond. He reminds me how precious life is. How fragile.
My Forever Son Reminds Me How Precious Life Is. How Fragile.
I capture life’s fragility in my photographs of my gardens. I find color, hope, and peace in nature. Spring brings the reawakening of all the flowers, shrubs, and trees that lay dormant over the long, cold, bitter months of winter. Each year, purple and yellow crocus emerge from their winter’s sleep, then yellow and white daffodils, and shortly thereafter, red tulips rising tall, even when cooler temperatures still prevail.
But come spring, when the brilliance of sun, blue skies, and flowers seemingly appear against an impossible, immutable winter, I find hope in nature’s resilience.
Finding Healing in Nature
I try to reorient myself walking each morning. I try to see the blooming flowers, the wild potato blossoms that run the stretch of the path near my home, the fecundity of August, the greenery that rushed in during the months since Orli left us here, to fend for ourselves. I find I cannot talk to people I see at the farmers market, but I can appreciate the ripening fruit, the taste of late summer, the heat in the skin of each peach.
Sarah Wildman, I Am Trying to See What My Beautiful Daughter Saw, Aug. 25, 2023, New York Times
I Couldn’t Save My Son: Grappling with Guilt in Grief
I still have a tendency to wake in the night and go over and over all of the things that went wrong and where I imagine I might have protected Orli. I berate myself for having failed her. It is completely irrational; it is also true. I could not save her; she could not be saved. I am her mother; ergo, I failed. In the light of day, I see the faulty logic of 4 a.m.
Sarah Wildman, I Am Trying to See What My Beautiful Daughter Saw, Aug. 25, 2023, New York Times
Coping with Guilt in Grief After Losing a Child to Suicide
It is not easy to reconcile the guilt of losing a child, the heaviness of the guilt of losing my only child. I included the passage above about Sarah Wildman’s guilt over losing her daughter because it so eloquently amplifies a parent’s response to losing a child.
Losing my son to suicide changed everything about my life. This blog, My Forever Son: Grief and Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide, is my attempt to make sense of a world that can never make sense. Suicide doesn’t make sense. But finding a way to live in peace with who I am now does make sense. I live on that my son might live too.
Photographing My Gardens Brings Healing and Peace
Gardening, along with the art of photography and the expression of my emotions through poetry, blog posts, books, and songs, brings me solace. Preserving the temporal, ephemeral fragility of flowers in my photographs brings resolve and sometimes, even acceptance of what I can and cannot change in this life.
Beth Brown, author and educator, sharing her journey of healing through poetry after the loss of her son
About the Author
Beth Brown is a writer, educator, and bereaved mother who shares her journey of healing after losing her only son, Dylan, to suicide. Through poetry, essays, and her blog My Forever Son, Beth offers comfort and hope to others navigating grief, honoring the enduring bond between parent and child and celebrating the small joys that illuminate the path toward healing.
Meet the Author: Writing Through the Abyss
byBeth Brown
There are places that cannot be mapped, only entered—terrains of loss where language falters and the heart, stripped of its certainties, must learn to speak again. I am Beth Brown, a mother whose son, Dylan, died by suicide at twenty. My life, once measured by the ordinary rhythms of teaching literature and nurturing a child, was pierced in two: before and after. In the aftermath, I found myself wandering a wilderness where time bent, memory ached, and the world’s colors dimmed to the hush of grief.
I did not choose to become a chronicler of sorrow, but grief, relentless and unbidden, pressed its ink into my hands. I wrote because I could not bear the silence. I wrote because the ache demanded witness. In poetry, I found a way to hold both the weight of absence and the persistence of love—a language for the unspeakable, a vessel for memory, a place where my son’s name could still be spoken.
He left too soon, Lifting life from June, Casting torrents of rain. — “He Left Too Soon”
There are nights when the world tilts, and I am returned to the moment of loss, the fracture that remade me. Yet even in the deepest dark, I have learned to listen for the faint music of hope, the pulse of love that endures beyond death.
Beat still my heart, Beat still my mind, Weary though thou art, Carry his love along with thine, Though heavy on thy shoulders Crost fields throughout all time. — “Beat Still My Heart”
My poems are not answers. They are offerings—fragments of a life lived in the shadow of absence, pieced together with longing and the fierce, unyielding devotion of a mother’s heart. They are the record of a journey through the labyrinth of grief, where each turn reveals both the ache of what is lost and the quiet radiance of what remains.
My child sleeps in a cradle of stars, Gently rocked by the moon Lullabies in his heart, Heavens in galaxies swirl round to the sound Of a mother and child’s love beating on.
Meteor showers, on the darkest of nights, Bring comfort and joy to my child’s delight, Aurora Borealis tints sky blue and green, Where my child remembers his mother in dreams.
There are questions that haunt the bereaved: Could I have known? Could I have saved you? The mind circles these unanswerable riddles, but the heart, battered and tender, learns to rest in the mystery.
I’d have reached right in to your dark night’s soul— I would have held on, I would have clutched you, I would have never let you go But you told me “Mom I love you” Oh my child, if I’d only known. — “Once Upon a Blue-Sky Moon”
In the landscape of loss, I have discovered that love is not diminished by death. It is transformed—becoming both ache and solace, shadow and light, the filament that binds the living to the lost.
Body, mind, soul, rough and ragged, Weeping tears falling still throughout time, Carrying weight of mourning and grieving Falling broken when thou wert mine. — “Beat Still My Heart”
I write for those who walk this wilderness with me—for the mothers and fathers, siblings and friends, whose lives have been marked by the unthinkable. My hope is that in these poems, you will find not only the echo of your own sorrow, but also the quiet assurance that you are not alone.
Starlight for a mobile twinkling ‘ere so bright, To remember his mother that darkest of nights, When slipped he from her grasp and fell through this earth, Tumbling still planets, sun, folding time in rebirth. — “Falling Stars in a Moonless Sky”
That we might understand we cannot separate mental illness from physical illness and that try as we might, we cannot see inside another’s pain.
If you have come here searching for words to companion your grief, I welcome you. My poetry is not a map, but a lantern—casting light on the path we walk, together and alone, toward a horizon where love, undiminished, endures.
But boughs break and love falls through the cracks in the earth, And the centre can’t hold when orbits, slung far, break their girth, Gravitational interference, passing stars in the night, Jetting orbs, falling stars in a moonless sky. — “Falling Stars in a Moonless Sky”
Grief is wild—untamed, unending, and full of shadows. Yet within its depths, I have found moments of light: a memory, a poem, the gentle rustle of leaves, the warmth of a cup of tea. My words are both ache and love, a testament that even in the deepest sorrow, we can find meaning, connection, and—sometimes—hope. Through poetry, I reach for my son and for all who walk this path. If you find yourself here, know that you are not alone, and that love—like poetry—endures.
What Happened? The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief
I started this blog, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide in 2015, three years into my journey of grief. You can read more about what happened here: The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief recounts the author’s harrowing experience of losing her son to suicide. Her story highlights her grief, guilt, and the healing power of writing, especially through works like the “If Earth Were Sky (And Sky Above)” poem: reflections on love and loss. The blog “My Forever Son” came about as a way for the author to work through this devastating grief that follows the loss of a child to suicide. My Forever Son blog serves as a platform for sharing experiences and finding healing and solace in community.
Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing
Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing offers a heartfelt collection of poems that deeply resonate with the profound sorrow of parents who have experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. These poignant verses navigate the intense emotions of this tragic loss, beautifully capturing the stages of grief while gently guiding readers towards hope and healing on their journey through grief.
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience, explores the author’s journey of grief through the metaphor of a Magnolia tree’s cyclical seasons. The author uses photography to illustrate the parallels between nature’s cycles and the seasons of grief, finding hope and healing in writing, gardening, and nature’s resilience. The Magnolia tree’s resilience symbolizes renewal and the possibility of finding joy again despite profound heartbreak. After reflections on nature’s resilience, the author reflects on grief and healing (echoes of joy and shadows of loss) after losing her son to suicide.
Understanding the Unique Aspects of Suicide Grief compassionately delves into the profound challenges of navigating the grief that follows a suicide. The author, who has experienced the heart-wrenching loss of her son, shares her deeply moving personal journey, offering comfort and understanding to those who find themselves in similar anguish. This heartfelt post not only shares her story but also provides a thoughtful collection of articles and professional resources, aimed at helping parents cope with the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide.
Navigating Guilt in Grief: A Parent’s Guide offers a gentle and understanding perspective on the complex emotions that emerge after the devastating loss of a loved one through suicide, particularly from the vantage point of parents.This guide thoughtfully addresses the overwhelming and often contradictory feelings of grief, guilt, and sorrow that can envelop parents navigating such profound heartache.
Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents
Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents gently supports parents navigating the profound sorrow of losing a child to suicide. This heartfelt article acknowledges the intense grief that such a tragedy brings and offers compassionate guidance on finding a way forward. The healing strategies shared emphasize self-care and the importance of seeking professional help, while inviting parents to connect with others who understand their pain.
Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss
I have shared my grief journey on this blog, My Forever Son, reflecting on those painful early years and sharing glimmers of hope along the way. Through sleepless nights and tears, I found that my deep love for my son sustains me through his absence.
Carrying both ache and love after losing my son to suicide has been the crux of my grief journey these past 12 years. I share insights into healing from deep grief in the article, Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss, where ache for his absence and love for my son walk together in my heart. Holding hands, one is never without the other, but ache and love have carried me—and carry me still.
When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand”
When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” explores the difficult topic of suicide through the touching treatise, “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” which challenges the idea that it is just a choice. This meaningful work discusses the certainty of death, no matter the cause, and the limits of love in preventing such loss. Beth Brown, who wrote both the treatise and this article, shares her personal journey of grief after losing her son to suicide, finding comfort in writing and nature photography.
Meet Dylan, My Forever Son
A joyful moment captured of Dylan, radiating happiness while seated outdoors, My Forever Son, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
Twenty Years of Love: Dylan offers a poignant exploration of grief and loss, blending together cherished memories and reflections on Dylan’s life. The emotional resonance of this piece is deeply felt, beautifully portraying both the love and sorrow that the author carries in their heart. The thoughtful inclusion of links to further readings about Dylan and resources for support is a compassionate touch that adds immense value to those who may be navigating similar journeys.
Walking Through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide
Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicideoffers a deeply moving and heartfelt narrative that illuminates the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. The personal stories shared create a sincere and unfiltered glimpse into the heavy journey of grief and the gradual path toward healing. Through poignant reflections and a poetic exploration on grief, the author navigates the chaotic emotions that accompany such a catastrophic event, revealing both the struggles and the moments of unexpected solace that can emerge even in the darkest times.
I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son
I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son lovingly encapsulates the profound heartache and cherished memories tied to the author’s beloved son, Dylan. Through heartfelt imagery and poignant personal stories, it invites readers to share in an emotional journey that resonates deeply, fostering a compassionate understanding of loss and love.
I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide
I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide is a heartfelt collection of personal reflections and cherished memories that navigates the profound journey of grief and hope following the heartbreaking loss of a son to suicide. The rawness of the emotions is deeply felt, drawing readers into a shared space of empathy. Through vivid descriptions and nostalgic elements, the work evokes a sense of connection and understanding, while the stunning images inspire hope and healing amidst the sorrow.
Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts invites readers into the heart/h-wrenching yet beautifully profound journey of a mother’s grief after the devastating loss of her beloved 20-year-old son, Dylan, who tragically died by suicide. Through a heartfelt collection of original poems and personal reflections, she courageously shares the painful complexities of her sorrow, the small moments of hope that emerged, and her ongoing path toward healing.
“On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide
“On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide delves into the deep, heart-wrenching sorrow of losing a child to suicide. This poignant piece not only articulates the immense pain of such a loss but also provides vital resources to navigate the challenging journey of grief. With tender personal reflections and thoughtful coping strategies, the post and poem, “On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” serves as a compassionate companion for those who are enduring similar heartaches.
A family gathering at a beautifully set table, featuring candles and a vase of pink roses, reflecting moments of love, loss, and healing, My Forever Son, A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table
A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table
A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table chronicles a family’s journey through the loss of their beloved son, Dylan. This tragedy alters their connections, turning a joyful gathering space into one of reflection. The narrative captures the struggle between despair and acceptance, underscoring love’s enduring power amidst heartache. In honoring Dylan’s memory, they find unexpected joy in their grief, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss.
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide gently delves into the profound and heart-wrenching sorrow experienced by grandparents who endure the unimaginable loss of their grandchild. This painful journey envelops them in a dual mourning, as they grieve not only the precious life that is gone but also the shattered dreams and cherished memories that will sorrowfully remain unrealized for their own child, the grieving parent.
Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy
Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy beautifully captures the deep sorrow and unwavering love a mother feels for her son. The author bravely shares her heartfelt journey, navigating the immense pain and heartbreak tied to her son’s fourth suicide attempt on Memorial Day. Through her poignant narrative, she reveals the complex layers of a mother’s grief, intricately woven with fleeting moments of hope that resonate powerfully with anyone who is facing loss.
“Shaped by Love–And This Grief Come to Stay”: A Poem on Suicide Loss
Holding True to My Son’s Narrative: “Shaped by Love” Poem Analysis explores the profound sorrow a parent endures after losing a child to suicide. It addresses themes of grief and guilt, highlighting the heavy shadow such a tragedy casts on life. This poignant narrative captures a parent’s transformative journey in the wake of their child’s absence, revealing emotions of shame while confronting societal stigma surrounding suicide. With compassion and insight, the poem resonates with anyone who has faced similar heart-wrenching experiences.
11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe
11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe powerfully conveys the depths of my unyielding grief and a relentless yearning for my beloved son, Dylan, whose vibrant spirit was tragically stolen by suicide eleven heart-wrenching years ago at merely twenty. As my only child, his absence has carved an immense void in my soul, reshaping every facet of my life while perpetually stirring the cherished memories of the beautiful moments we once savored together.
11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe Summary The article, 11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe, reflects on the enduring grief of losing a son to suicide 11 years ago. The author finds solace in nature, writing, and photography, using these outlets to express their emotions and navigate…
Healing Grief: 3 Years After Losing My Son Summary “Healing Grief: 3 Years After Losing My Son” explores the author’s journey through grief, hope, and healing after losing her son to suicide. The author reflects on the weight of grief, finding moments of happiness amidst sorrow, and the support she received from other bereaved parents.…
Navigating Grief: 5 Years After Losing My Son ABOUT THIS POST: Navigating Grief: 5 Years After Losing My Son offers an intimate look at the journals of the author after losing her son to suicide, capturing the raw emotions, struggles, and moments of clarity that have arisen throughout her journey. Through poignant reflections, the author…
Living Backwards Going Forward: A Grief Journey in Year 3 Summary “Living Backwards Going Forward: A Grief Journey in Year 3” explores the author’s experiences of a mother’s grief three years after losing her son to suicide. The author reflects on her parenting choices, self-doubt, and the cyclical nature of grief, highlighting the struggle to…
A Letter to My Son In Year Nine: Reflections on Lingering Grief Summary In A Letter to My Son In Year Nine: Reflections on Lingering Grief, a mother reflects on nine years of grief after losing her son to suicide. She writes a heartfelt letter to him, expressing her enduring pain and the struggle to…
Navigating Grief: 6 Years After My Son’s Suicide Navigating Grief: 6 Years After My Son’s Suicide reflects on the sixth anniversary of a mother’s grief after losing her son to suicide. It emphasizes the importance of connection and support found in grief groups, highlighting the author’s struggle with identity and the burden of grief. The…
4 Years After Loss: Navigating Grief and Love Summary In 4 Years After Loss: Navigating Grief and Love, author Beth Brown shares her journey of grief and healing four years after losing her son, Dylan, to suicide. She explores the profound impact of losing a child to suicide, including secondary losses and the burden of…
Holding True to My Son’s Narrative: “Shaped by Love–And This Grief Come to Stay” Poem Analysis Summary Holding True to My Son’s Narrative: “Shaped by Love–And This Grief Come to Stay” Poem Analysis by Beth Brown explores the profound connection between love and grief following the loss of her son to suicide. The poem emphasizes…
What Happened? The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief
I started this blog, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide in 2015, three years into my journey of grief. You can read more about what happened here: The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief recounts the author’s harrowing experience of losing her son to suicide. Her story highlights her grief, guilt, and the healing power of writing, especially through works like the “If Earth Were Sky (And Sky Above)” poem: reflections on love and loss. The blog “My Forever Son” came about as a way for the author to work through this devastating grief that follows the loss of a child to suicide. My Forever Son blog serves as a platform for sharing experiences and finding healing and solace in community.
Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing
Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing offers a heartfelt collection of poems that deeply resonate with the profound sorrow of parents who have experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. These poignant verses navigate the intense emotions of this tragic loss, beautifully capturing the stages of grief while gently guiding readers towards hope and healing on their journey through grief.
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience, explores the author’s journey of grief through the metaphor of a Magnolia tree’s cyclical seasons. The author uses photography to illustrate the parallels between nature’s cycles and the seasons of grief, finding hope and healing in writing, gardening, and nature’s resilience. The Magnolia tree’s resilience symbolizes renewal and the possibility of finding joy again despite profound heartbreak. After reflections on nature’s resilience, the author reflects on grief and healing (echoes of joy and shadows of loss) after losing her son to suicide.
Understanding the Unique Aspects of Suicide Grief compassionately delves into the profound challenges of navigating the grief that follows a suicide. The author, who has experienced the heart-wrenching loss of her son, shares her deeply moving personal journey, offering comfort and understanding to those who find themselves in similar anguish. This heartfelt post not only shares her story but also provides a thoughtful collection of articles and professional resources, aimed at helping parents cope with the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide.
Navigating Guilt in Grief: A Parent’s Guide offers a gentle and understanding perspective on the complex emotions that emerge after the devastating loss of a loved one through suicide, particularly from the vantage point of parents.This guide thoughtfully addresses the overwhelming and often contradictory feelings of grief, guilt, and sorrow that can envelop parents navigating such profound heartache.
Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents
Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide: A Guide for Parents gently supports parents navigating the profound sorrow of losing a child to suicide. This heartfelt article acknowledges the intense grief that such a tragedy brings and offers compassionate guidance on finding a way forward. The healing strategies shared emphasize self-care and the importance of seeking professional help, while inviting parents to connect with others who understand their pain.
Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss
I have shared my grief journey on this blog, My Forever Son, reflecting on those painful early years and sharing glimmers of hope along the way. Through sleepless nights and tears, I found that my deep love for my son sustains me through his absence.
Carrying both ache and love after losing my son to suicide has been the crux of my grief journey these past 12 years. I share insights into healing from deep grief in the article, Carrying Ache and Love: Healing Longterm Grief in Suicide Loss, where ache for his absence and love for my son walk together in my heart. Holding hands, one is never without the other, but ache and love have carried me—and carry me still.
When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand”
When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” explores the difficult topic of suicide through the touching treatise, “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” which challenges the idea that it is just a choice. This meaningful work discusses the certainty of death, no matter the cause, and the limits of love in preventing such loss. Beth Brown, who wrote both the treatise and this article, shares her personal journey of grief after losing her son to suicide, finding comfort in writing and nature photography.
Meet Dylan, My Forever Son
A joyful moment captured of Dylan, radiating happiness while seated outdoors, My Forever Son, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
Twenty Years of Love: Dylan offers a poignant exploration of grief and loss, blending together cherished memories and reflections on Dylan’s life. The emotional resonance of this piece is deeply felt, beautifully portraying both the love and sorrow that the author carries in their heart. The thoughtful inclusion of links to further readings about Dylan and resources for support is a compassionate touch that adds immense value to those who may be navigating similar journeys.
Walking Through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide
Walking through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicideoffers a deeply moving and heartfelt narrative that illuminates the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. The personal stories shared create a sincere and unfiltered glimpse into the heavy journey of grief and the gradual path toward healing. Through poignant reflections and a poetic exploration on grief, the author navigates the chaotic emotions that accompany such a catastrophic event, revealing both the struggles and the moments of unexpected solace that can emerge even in the darkest times.
I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son
I Want It All Back: Remembering Dylan, My Forever Son lovingly encapsulates the profound heartache and cherished memories tied to the author’s beloved son, Dylan. Through heartfelt imagery and poignant personal stories, it invites readers to share in an emotional journey that resonates deeply, fostering a compassionate understanding of loss and love.
I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide
I Want to Believe: Searching for Hope After Losing My Son to Suicide is a heartfelt collection of personal reflections and cherished memories that navigates the profound journey of grief and hope following the heartbreaking loss of a son to suicide. The rawness of the emotions is deeply felt, drawing readers into a shared space of empathy. Through vivid descriptions and nostalgic elements, the work evokes a sense of connection and understanding, while the stunning images inspire hope and healing amidst the sorrow.
Dylan: Forever Loved and Remembered in Our Hearts invites readers into the heart/h-wrenching yet beautifully profound journey of a mother’s grief after the devastating loss of her beloved 20-year-old son, Dylan, who tragically died by suicide. Through a heartfelt collection of original poems and personal reflections, she courageously shares the painful complexities of her sorrow, the small moments of hope that emerged, and her ongoing path toward healing.
“On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide
“On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” Poem: Grieving a Child’s Suicide delves into the deep, heart-wrenching sorrow of losing a child to suicide. This poignant piece not only articulates the immense pain of such a loss but also provides vital resources to navigate the challenging journey of grief. With tender personal reflections and thoughtful coping strategies, the post and poem, “On Baby’s Breath and Angel Wings” serves as a compassionate companion for those who are enduring similar heartaches.
A family gathering at a beautifully set table, featuring candles and a vase of pink roses, reflecting moments of love, loss, and healing, My Forever Son, A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table
A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table
A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table chronicles a family’s journey through the loss of their beloved son, Dylan. This tragedy alters their connections, turning a joyful gathering space into one of reflection. The narrative captures the struggle between despair and acceptance, underscoring love’s enduring power amidst heartache. In honoring Dylan’s memory, they find unexpected joy in their grief, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss.
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide gently delves into the profound and heart-wrenching sorrow experienced by grandparents who endure the unimaginable loss of their grandchild. This painful journey envelops them in a dual mourning, as they grieve not only the precious life that is gone but also the shattered dreams and cherished memories that will sorrowfully remain unrealized for their own child, the grieving parent.
Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy
Memorial Day: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and Unbearable Tragedy beautifully captures the deep sorrow and unwavering love a mother feels for her son. The author bravely shares her heartfelt journey, navigating the immense pain and heartbreak tied to her son’s fourth suicide attempt on Memorial Day. Through her poignant narrative, she reveals the complex layers of a mother’s grief, intricately woven with fleeting moments of hope that resonate powerfully with anyone who is facing loss.
“Shaped by Love–And This Grief Come to Stay”: A Poem on Suicide Loss
Holding True to My Son’s Narrative: “Shaped by Love” Poem Analysis explores the profound sorrow a parent endures after losing a child to suicide. It addresses themes of grief and guilt, highlighting the heavy shadow such a tragedy casts on life. This poignant narrative captures a parent’s transformative journey in the wake of their child’s absence, revealing emotions of shame while confronting societal stigma surrounding suicide. With compassion and insight, the poem resonates with anyone who has faced similar heart-wrenching experiences.
11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe
11 Years After Suicide Loss: I Still Want to Believe powerfully conveys the depths of my unyielding grief and a relentless yearning for my beloved son, Dylan, whose vibrant spirit was tragically stolen by suicide eleven heart-wrenching years ago at merely twenty. As my only child, his absence has carved an immense void in my soul, reshaping every facet of my life while perpetually stirring the cherished memories of the beautiful moments we once savored together.
A collection of supportive books on grief and healing, highlighting resources for those affected by the loss of a child to suicide, My Forever Son, Ten Years of Hope and Healing After Losing My Son to Suicide
Professional Resources
Online Directory for Coping with Grief, Trauma, and Distress
After A Suicide Resource Directory: Coping with Grief, Trauma, and Distress http://www.personalgriefcoach.net This online directory links people who are grieving after a suicide death to resources and information.
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors http://www.allianceofhope.org This organization for survivors of suicide loss provides information sheets, a blog, and a community forum through which survivors can share with each other.
Friends for Survival http://www.friendsforsurvival.org This organization is for suicide loss survivors and professionals who work with them. It produces a monthly newsletter and runs the Suicide Loss Helpline (1-800-646-7322). It also published Pathways to Purpose and Hope, a guide to building a community-based suicide survivor support program.
HEARTBEAT: Grief Support Following Suicide http://heartbeatsurvivorsaftersuicide.org This organization has chapters providing support groups for survivors of suicide loss in Colorado and some other states. Its website provides information sheets for survivors and a leader’s guide on how to start a new chapter of HEARTBEAT.
Resources and Support Groups
Parents of Suicides and Friends & Families of Suicides (POS-FFOS) http://www.pos-ffos.com This website provides a public message board called Suicide Grief Support Forum, a listserv for parents, a separate listserv for others, and an online chat room for survivors of suicide loss.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) https://www.taps.org/suicide This organization provides resources and programs for people grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces or as a result of their service. It has special resources and programs for suicide loss survivors.
United Survivors https://unitesurvivors.org/ This organization is a place where people who have experienced suicide loss, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts and feelings, and their friends and families, can connect to use their lived experience to advocate for policy, systems, and cultural change.
Professional Organizations
American Association of Suicidology suicidology.org • (202) 237-2280 Promotes public awareness, education and training for professionals, and sponsors an annual Healing After Suicide conference for suicide loss survivors. In addition to the conference, they offer a coping with suicide grief handbook by Jeffrey Jackson. This booklet is also available in Spanish.
The Compassionate Friends compassionatefriends.org • (877) 969-0010 Offers resources for families after the death of a child. They sponsor support groups, newsletters and online support groups throughout the country, as well as an annual national conference for bereaved families.
The Dougy Center The National Center for Grieving Children & Families dougy.org • (503) 775-5683 Publishes extensive resources for helping children and teens who are grieving a death including death by suicide. Resources include the “Children, Teens and Suicide Loss” booklet created in partnership with AFSP. This booklet is also available in Spanish.
Link’s National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare thelink.org/nrc-for-suicide-prevention-aftercar • 404-256-2919 Dedicated to reaching out to those whose lives have been impacted by suicide and connecting them to available resources.
Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) taps.org/suicide • (800) 959-TAPS (8277) Provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
LOSS losscs.org Offers support groups, remembrance events, companioning, suicide postvention and prevention education, and training to other communities interested in developing or enhancing their suicide postvention and prevention efforts.
Online resources
Alliance of Hope allianceofhope.org Provides a 24/7 online forum for suicide loss survivors.
Help Guide helpguide.org Provides resources and tips for how to navigate the loss of someone to suicide.
Parents of Suicides (POS) – Friends and Families of Suicides (FFOS) pos-ffos.com An internet community to connect parents, friends, and family that have lost someone to suicide.
SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education save.org/programs/suicide-loss-support • (952) 946-7998 Hosts resources for suicide loss survivor including a support group database, newsletter, survivor conference and the Named Memorial Program, which offers a special way to honor your loved one.
Siblings Survivors of Suicide Loss siblingsurvivors.com Provides resources and a platform to connect with others that have lost a sibling to suicide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org Call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans, 2 for Spanish, 3 for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults) or chat 988lifeline.org A 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With crisis centers across the country, their mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.
Crisis Text Line crisistextline.org Text TALK to 741-741 for English Text AYUDA to 741-741 for Spanish Provides free, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need, 24/7.
Emotions Matter Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Loss Group – https://emotionsmatterbpd.org/bpd-loss-group (note that not all losses are suicide, though many are. All losses have a connection to BPD.)
Helping Parents Heal: Special Interest Group -Moving Forward After Suicide – https://www.helpingparentsheal.org/affiliate-groups/special-interest-groups/ (note that Helping Parents Heal “goes a step beyond other groups by allowing the open discussion of spiritual experiences and afterlife evidence—in a non-dogmatic way. HPH affiliate groups welcome everyone regardless of religious or non-religious background and encourage open dialog.”)
A collection of books focused on understanding grief, suicide, and mental health support, My Forever Son, Finding Support After Losing a Child to Suicide
Books for Understanding Suicide And Mental Health
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Alfred A. Knopf, 1995. In this memoir, an international authority on Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder describes her own struggle since adolescence with the disorder, and how it has shaped her life.
Darkness Visible William Styron, Random House, 1990. A powerful and moving first-hand account of what depression feels like to the sufferer.
Devastating Losses: How Parents Cope with the Death of a Child to Suicide or Drugs William Feigelman, Ph.D., John Jordan, Ph.D., John McIntosh, Ph.D., Beverly Feigelman, LCSW, Springer Publishing, 2012. This book provides useful avenues for future research on suicide loss and offers new insights into the grief process that follows the death of a child, both in the short term and years after a loss. Please note that, given its academic tone, the book is better suited to clinicians and educators than to recently bereaved lay readers.
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Alfred A. Knopf, 1999. Kay Redfield Jamison’s in-depth psychological and scientific exploration of suicide traces the network of reasons underlying suicide, including the factors that interact to cause suicide, and outlines the evolving treatments available through modern medicine.
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression Andrew Solomon, Scribner, 2001.Winner of the National Book Award, this book shares the author’s story of chronic depression, and places depression in a broader social context.
Why People Die by Suicide Thomas Joiner, Ph.D., Harvard University Press, 2005. Drawing on extensive clinical and epidemiological evidence, as well as personal experience, the author, who lost his father to suicide, identifies three factors that mark those most at risk of considering, attempting, or dying by suicide.
Cacciatore, Joanne (2017). Bearing the Unbearable. Wisdom Publications.
Clark, Ann (2020). Gone to Suicide. A mom’s truth on heartbreak, transformation and prevention. Iuniverse.
Collins, Eileen Vorbach (2023). Love in the Archives. a patchwork of true stories about suicide loss. Apprentice House Press.
Cross, Tracey (2013). Suicide among gifted children and adolescents. Understanding the suicidal mind. Prufrock Press.
Dougy Center, The (2001). After a Suicide: An Activity Book for Grieving Kids. Dougy Center.
Estes, Clarissa Pinkola (1988). The Faithful Gardener. HarperCollinsSanFrancisco.
Fine, Carla (1997). No Time to Say Goodbye. Surviving the suicide of a loved one. Broadway Books.
Heilmann, Lena M.Q. (2019). Still with Us. Voices of Sibling Suicide Loss Survivors. BDI Publishers.
Hickman, Martha Whitmore (1994). Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief. William Morrow Paperbacks
Jamison, Kay Redfield (2000). Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide. Vintage.
Johnson, Julie Tallard (1994). Hidden Victims, Hidden Healers. An eight-stage healing process for families and friends of the mentally ill. Pema Publications.
Joiner, Thomas (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Harvard University Press
Joiner, Thomas (2010). Myths About Suicide. Harvard University Press.
Kushner, Harold S. (2004). When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Anchor Books
O’Connor, Mary-Francis (2022). The Grieving Brain. HarperOne.
Rasmussen, Christina (2019). Second Firsts. Hay House Inc.
Shapiro, Larry (2020). Brain Pain. Giving insight to children who have lost a family member or a loved one to suicide. Safe Haven Books.
Wickersham, Julie (2009). The Suicide Index: Putting My Father’s Death in Order. Mariner Books.
A grieving parent visits their child’s grave, reflecting on loss and remembrance, My Forever Son, Finding Hope After Losing a Child to Suicide: Parents’ Resource
Explore heartfelt narratives and reflections on the profound strength of love, the agony of loss, and the enduring essence of remembering those we cherished and lost. In these stories, delve into the intricate tapestry of emotions that love weaves, showcasing not only the joyous moments but also the poignant struggles that arise in times of sorrow.
The Backstory to My Forever Son: A Mother’s Grief recounts the author’s experience of losing her son to suicide, highlighting her grief, guilt, and the healing power of writing. The blog “My Forever Son” emerged as a way for her to navigate this devastating loss, serving as a platform for sharing experiences and finding solace in community. My Forever Son: Healing After Losing a Child to Suicide is a heartfelt blog by Beth Brown that chronicles her profound journey through grief and healing following the suicide of her son, Dylan, using poetry, reflections, and nature photography.
Overview of My Forever Son Blog
Beth Brown’s blog, My Forever Son: Healing After Losing My Son to Suicide, is an intimate account of her life after losing her 20-year-old son, Dylan, to suicide. The blog captures her harrowing experience of grief, the guilt and despair she faced, and the ways she has sought healing over the years. Through writing, particularly poetry, she expresses emotions that had been otherwise inexpressible during the early, overwhelming stages of her mourning
Content and Themes
Poems as Reflection and Healing: The blog features a series of poems, including Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing which explore the depth of sorrow, longing, and hope experienced after losing a child. These poems often intertwine personal narratives and memories, offering readers insight into the emotional journey of a bereaved parent.
Personal Journey: Beth shares the timeline of her grief, describing the initial devastation, the silencing of her voice, and her struggle to find hope. Writing began as a journal, eventually transforming into a poetic endeavor that allowed her to process sorrow while reconnecting with her creative and expressive self.
Photography and Nature as Healing: The blog incorporates photographs of Beth’s gardens across seasons, showing how observing the cycles of nature helped her find moments of calm, renewal, and hope amid grief. Spring blooms and gradual seasonal changes symbolize resilience and the eventual emergence of joy following loss
Community and Support: The blog also emphasizes the importance of connecting with others who have experienced similar loss, highlighting that shared grief can reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies bereavement
Purpose and Impact
The aim of My Forever Son is to offer solace and understanding to parents confronting child loss, providing a space for reflection and healing. Through her poetry, Beth Brown shows that grief can endure, yet moments of hope and remembrance are possible. Her work is part of Find Hope Here: Poetic Reflections on Grief and Healing including 19 poems on love, loss, and recovery, sharing her son’s life and her reflections on carrying grief with cherished memories.
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience is a heartfelt exploration of the author’s journey through grief after losing her son to suicide. It draws parallels between the cycles of nature and the seasons of healing, illustrated by the vibrant blooms of spring and the dormancy of winter. The magnolia tree symbolizes both grief and resilience, representing enduring love and remembrance of “My Forever Son.” With its association of strength, dignity, and perseverance, the magnolia serves as a fitting emblem for perseverance in the face of loss. Its blooms evoke purity and beauty, creating a gentle tribute to a loved one.
In mourning a child, the magnolia embodies the pain of loss and the hope of healing. Planting one acts as a living memorial, where love grows alongside the tree, and its blooms symbolize the endurance of the heart. Magnolia trees signify the continuity of life, offering comfort during grief, and many families choose them for gardens, finding a representation of both sorrow and hope. The magnolia stands as a living tribute to grief and eternal memory.
A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table
A grandmother’s enduring love is the invisible thread that binds generations, keeping the family together and filling hearts with warmth.
“A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table”is a heartwarming story about a family’s enduring love, symbolized by a family table. The table, originally purchased by the grandmother, becomes a sacred space where the family gathers, sharing laughter, joy, and celebrations. The narrative explores the profound grief of losing a child to suicide, highlighting how the family table becomes a site of reflection and remembrance.
A Grandmother’s Love Held Together the Family Table beautifully captures the essence of family connection. A grandmother serves as the cornerstone of family life, nurturing traditions and offering unconditional love. Her presence weaves comfort and wisdom into daily moments, inspiring kindness in children. A grandmother’s love acts as the glue that holds a family together, creating warmth and shared memories around the table.
A vibrant young man smiling joyfully while sitting casually, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and warmth, Twenty Years of Love: Dylan, My Forever Son
Twenty Years of Love: Dylan
“Twenty Years of Love: Dylan My Forever Son” is a heartfelt blog post that honors Dylan Andrew Brown, reflecting on his life, enduring love, and the profound grief of losing a child to suicide.
Twenty Years of Love: Dylanis a beautiful guest post by the author’s sister that looks back over the life of Dylan, reflecting on cherished memories, significant milestones, and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who loved him. The post invites readers to journey through the years alongside Dylan, celebrating his accomplishments, the lessons learned, and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of family and friends alike. It serves not only as a tribute but also as a heartfelt reminder of the power of love and remembrance, encouraging everyone to hold tight to their own memories of those who have touched their lives. Twenty Years of Love: Dylan, gone too soon.
Key themes in this post include:
Enduring Love: A mother’s connection with her son continues even after death, showing that grief is interwoven with remembrance and devotion
Grief and Healing: The blog is part of a broader effort to chronicle grief and share hope, offering support to others coping with the loss of a child
Personal Tribute: Dylan is remembered as a gifted student, musician, friend, and beloved son, with his achievements and personality celebrated alongside the grief
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide explores the profound grief experienced by grandparents who endure the heartbreaking loss of a grandchild to the tragic circumstances of suicide, delving into the emotional turmoil, feelings of helplessness, and the complex process of mourning that accompanies such a devastating multiple loss. A grandparent grieves not just for their grandchild, but also for their own child whose life is forever changed.
The grief grandparents experience after losing a grandchild to suicide is profound and multifaceted, often described as a “double grief” because it involves mourning both the grandchild and the deep pain of their own child, the parent.
Unique Emotional Journey for Grandparents Grandparents’ grief is often intense and complicated by feelings of helplessness knowing their own child is deeply suffering. They may experience shock, numbness, guilt, anger, and profound sadness, sometimes feeling invisible or “forgotten mourners” as attention tends to focus on the parents. This grief often lasts much longer than society expects and involves many emotional ups and downs. Grandparents may struggle to express their loss openly, yet their need to acknowledge and remember the grandchild remains strong.
Deep Insights on the Challenges of Grief
Discover thought-provoking articles from My Forever Son blog that delve into the profound intricacies of understanding the unique aspects of suicide grief, particularly in connection with the devastating loss of a child to suicide. These articles offer invaluable insights into the emotional turmoil and complex feelings that arise in the wake of such an unimaginable tragedy. By exploring personal stories, expert opinions, and coping strategies, the blog aims to provide a compassionate space for parents and loved ones navigating their grief.
Understanding the Unique Aspects of Suicide Grief is a beautifully written and profoundly personal piece that gently explores the unique hurdles of dealing with the grief that follows a suicide. The author shares her heartfelt emotional journey, illustrating how deeply grief has woven itself into the fabric of her life. By incorporating personal stories, expert insights, and supportive resources, this post not only provides authenticity but also offers a comforting hand to those who may be navigating similar paths of loss and sorrow.
Compassionate Resources for Grieving Parents This letter from Beth Brown, a mother who lost her only child, Dylan, to suicide 14 years ago, offers compassionate guidance for newly bereaved parents. Beth’s healing journey is personal: she created the blog My Forever Son as a sanctuary for poetry and reflection. She shares how tending her gardens and her pets provided comfort during dark times, weaving in Alan Wolfelt’s Ten Touchstones for Hope and Healing along with practical coping strategies and moments of authentic hope.
A contemplative young person walking towards a grand building, symbolizing the journey of navigating grief and loss, My Forever Son, Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters
Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters
Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters offers a heartfelt exploration of the immense pain tied to suicide, affecting both those who die by it and their grieving loved ones. Titled “Understanding Suicide: It’s Not About Wanting to Die; It’s About Wanting the Pain to Stop,” this article reaches out to bereaved families with research, statistics, and videos that illuminate this personal issue. By breaking the stigma around suicide, it weaves personal stories and expert insights, fostering understanding of the need to acknowledge pain in these discussions. Resources for support are included.
Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice is a compassionate article that explores the concept of “choice” in the heartbreaking context of a child’s suicide. It emphasizes the complexity of suicide, reminding us that various factors, such as mental health issues and social pressures, contribute to this devastating outcome. The piece encourages readers to recognize the importance of empathy and support for affected families while challenging societal misconceptions surrounding suicide. Through expert insights, it serves as a vital resource for those grieving or seeking to understand the influences behind such a loss, advocating for awareness and open dialogues on mental health among children and adolescents.
When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand”
When Love Isn’t Enough: “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand” is a poignant exploration of the complexities surrounding the topic of suicide, intricately challenging the prevalent notion that suicide is simply a choice made by individuals in despair. Beth Brown, the author of the powerful treatise, “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand,” delves deep into the emotional and psychological dimensions of this tragic phenomenon, emphasizing the inevitability of death for all, regardless of the circumstances or causes that may lead one to that final resolution. Her poetic reflections and deep discussions including current research on understanding suicide converge to illustrate why and When Love is Not Enough.
Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched”
Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss offers a compassionate view of the profound pain that suicide loss brings to individuals and families. The article features Father Ronald Rolheiser’s piece, “Suicide–When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched,” which explores the complexities of grief and the struggles faced by those left behind. Rolheiser, with over forty years of experience, has been a guiding voice for many seeking solace. Through his reflections and anecdotes, Rolheiser not only aids those grieving but also fosters greater awareness of mental health struggles, encouraging dialogue to break the stigma surrounding these issues.
Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice affirms with well-documented research that suicide is not a choice, but a tragic outcome of intense emotional pain and distorted judgment. The stigma surrounding suicide persists, hindering understanding and perpetuating the misconception that it is a selfish act. Suicide epidemiologists emphasize that suicide is not a decision, but a desperate attempt to escape unbearable suffering, often exacerbated by limited resources and support.
Coping with Guilt After Losing a Child to Suicide is a compassionate exploration of the overwhelming emotions parents face after losing a child to suicide. This deeply moving post offers valuable support, meaningful quotes that resonate with the grieving process, and essential resources that can help guide parents on their healing journey. It emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and engaging in self-care practices to navigate the complex feelings of guilt and sorrow that often accompany such a devastating loss.
From Sorrow to Joy: How Pain Colors Loss beautifully contemplates how grief is intertwined with the profound love we hold for those we have lost. The author invites you to experience a heartfelt reflection that begins: “It’s on my refrigerator door—a small magnet lovingly placed between a “Choose Hope” magnet and a cherished photograph of my son. Using the magnet as a powerful symbol of the continuous struggle between pain and hope, the author conveys the poignant message that even amidst profound sorrow, there exists a pathway to light and joy. She beautifully illustrates the profound connection between sorrow and joy, emphasizing that light can indeed coexist with darkness in our lives.
Healing Grief: Embracing Quiet Tears After 3 Years of Loss
Healing Grief: Embracing Quiet Tears After 3 Years of Loss shares the author’s deeply personal journey through overwhelming grief as she approaches the memorial date of her beloved son, who tragically took his own life three years ago. This heartfelt reflection compassionately explores the intricate challenges of navigating life in the wake of such an unimaginable loss, bringing to light the quiet moments of sorrow that linger and the powerful emotions that resurface.
Loving Him Past His Pain: A Grieving Mother’s Journey
Loving Him Past His Pain: A Grieving Mother’s Journey poignantly captures the profound sorrow and heartfelt storytelling of a mother as she reflects on cherished memories intertwined with her current reality. Through vivid imagery and deeply personal experiences, she crafts a touching narrative that gently weaves together the loving moments from her son’s life with the complexities of her existence now, as she navigates the landscape of loss and love.
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide
Grandparents’ Double Grief: Losing a Grandchild to Suicide explores the profound and heartbreaking sorrow that envelops grandparents facing the unimaginable loss of their grandchild. Throughout this painful journey, they find themselves mourning not only the precious life that has been lost, but also the broken dreams and treasured memories that will tragically remain unfulfilled for their own child, the grieving parent.
Walking Through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide
Walking Through Shadows: Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Child to Suicide offers a deeply moving and heartfelt narrative that illuminates the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. The personal stories shared create a sincere and unfiltered glimpse into the heavy journey of grief and the gradual path toward healing. The author compassionately underscores the vital importance of honoring one’s own story and seeking out supportive connections during such a dark time.
Navigating Grief: Reflections Three Years After Losing My Son to Suicide
Navigating Grief: Reflections Three Years After Losing My Son to Suicideis a collection of reflections and resources documenting the author’s journey through grief after losing her son, Dylan, to suicide. The blog offers comfort, practical guidance, and hope to those navigating bereavement, sharing stories of love, remembrance, and the enduring bond between mother and son. Through poems, articles, and resources, the author aims to create a compassionate community for grieving parents.
Parents of Suicides: An Online Support Group for Parents Who Lose a Child to Suicide
Suicide is the anchor point on a continuum of suicidal thoughts & behaviors. This continuum is one that ranges from risk-taking behaviors at one end, extends through different degrees & types of suicidal thinking, & ends with suicide attempts and suicide.
Parents of Suicidesis a dedicated international online closed email group where parents who have lost a child to suicide come together to offer support, hope, and healing. Join a Community of Understanding. Parents of Suicides (PoS) provides a safe space for sharing experiences, coping mechanisms, and emotional support. You are not alone in this journey. Together, we can find strength and solace.
Professional Resources and Support
Parents of Suicides is a compassionate, international online community for parents who have tragically lost a child to suicide, providing a safe space for support, connection, and resources to aid in their healing journey.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a compassionate nonprofit organization devoted to saving lives and offering hope to individuals and families impacted by the profound pain of suicide.
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors offers compassionate healing support for those navigating the profound shock, heart-wrenching grief, and intricate emotions that arise from losing a cherished loved one to suicide.
The American Association of Suicidology is a compassionate membership organization dedicated to deepening our understanding of suicide and working tirelessly to prevent it, fostering hope and healing for those affected.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Suicide Research Center is dedicated to conducting compassionate research focused on understanding and reducing suicidal behaviors, as well as providing valuable insights to prevent the profound pain of suicide.
Mayo Clinic offers compassionate insights into the profound sorrow of losing a loved one to suicide, helping us navigate the complex emotions that accompany such grief and providing guidance on finding solace and support during this incredibly challenging time.
The Compassionate Friends provide invaluable Grief Resources & Support Groups for Parents and Families navigating the profound heartache of losing a child, offering comfort and connection during an incredibly difficult time.
Online Directory for Coping with Grief, Trauma, and Distress
After A Suicide Resource Directory: Coping with Grief, Trauma, and Distress http://www.personalgriefcoach.net This online directory links people who are grieving after a suicide death to resources and information.
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors http://www.allianceofhope.org This organization for survivors of suicide loss provides information sheets, a blog, and a community forum through which survivors can share with each other.
Friends for Survival http://www.friendsforsurvival.org This organization is for suicide loss survivors and professionals who work with them. It produces a monthly newsletter and runs the Suicide Loss Helpline (1-800-646-7322). It also published Pathways to Purpose and Hope, a guide to building a community-based suicide survivor support program.
HEARTBEAT: Grief Support Following Suicide http://heartbeatsurvivorsaftersuicide.org This organization has chapters providing support groups for survivors of suicide loss in Colorado and some other states. Its website provides information sheets for survivors and a leader’s guide on how to start a new chapter of HEARTBEAT.
Resources and Support Groups
Parents of Suicides and Friends & Families of Suicides (POS-FFOS) http://www.pos-ffos.com This website provides a public message board called Suicide Grief Support Forum, a listserv for parents, a separate listserv for others, and an online chat room for survivors of suicide loss.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) https://www.taps.org/suicide This organization provides resources and programs for people grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces or as a result of their service. It has special resources and programs for suicide loss survivors.
United Survivors https://unitesurvivors.org/ This organization is a place where people who have experienced suicide loss, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts and feelings, and their friends and families, can connect to use their lived experience to advocate for policy, systems, and cultural change.
Professional Organizations
American Association of Suicidology suicidology.org • (202) 237-2280 Promotes public awareness, education and training for professionals, and sponsors an annual Healing After Suicide conference for suicide loss survivors. In addition to the conference, they offer a coping with suicide grief handbook by Jeffrey Jackson. This booklet is also available in Spanish.
The Compassionate Friends compassionatefriends.org • (877) 969-0010 Offers resources for families after the death of a child. They sponsor support groups, newsletters and online support groups throughout the country, as well as an annual national conference for bereaved families.
The Dougy Center The National Center for Grieving Children & Families dougy.org • (503) 775-5683 Publishes extensive resources for helping children and teens who are grieving a death including death by suicide. Resources include the “Children, Teens and Suicide Loss” booklet created in partnership with AFSP. This booklet is also available in Spanish.
Link’s National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare thelink.org/nrc-for-suicide-prevention-aftercar • 404-256-2919 Dedicated to reaching out to those whose lives have been impacted by suicide and connecting them to available resources.
Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) taps.org/suicide • (800) 959-TAPS (8277) Provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
LOSS losscs.org Offers support groups, remembrance events, companioning, suicide postvention and prevention education, and training to other communities interested in developing or enhancing their suicide postvention and prevention efforts.
Online resources
Alliance of Hope allianceofhope.org Provides a 24/7 online forum for suicide loss survivors.
Help Guide helpguide.org Provides resources and tips for how to navigate the loss of someone to suicide.
Parents of Suicides (POS) – Friends and Families of Suicides (FFOS) pos-ffos.com An internet community to connect parents, friends, and family that have lost someone to suicide.
SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education save.org/programs/suicide-loss-support • (952) 946-7998 Hosts resources for suicide loss survivor including a support group database, newsletter, survivor conference and the Named Memorial Program, which offers a special way to honor your loved one.
Siblings Survivors of Suicide Loss siblingsurvivors.com Provides resources and a platform to connect with others that have lost a sibling to suicide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org Call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans, 2 for Spanish, 3 for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults) or chat 988lifeline.org A 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With crisis centers across the country, their mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.
Crisis Text Line crisistextline.org Text TALK to 741-741 for English Text AYUDA to 741-741 for Spanish Provides free, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need, 24/7.
Surviving Suicide Grief: “Does the Pain Ever End?” Asks a Parent Who Lost a Child to Suicide Summary The author reflects on the complex nature of grief after losing a child to suicide in “Surviving Suicide Grief: “Does the Pain Ever End?”, expressing that while pain changes, it never fully disappears. Support groups and counseling…
Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched” Summary The article “Understanding the Pain of Suicide Loss: “When Someone is Too Bruised to Be Touched” explores the profound grief and struggles faced by those left behind after a loved one dies by suicide. It features Father Ronald Rolheiser’s insightful…
Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice Summary The article, Understanding Suicide: It’s Not a Choice, affirms with well-documented research that suicide is not a choice, but a tragic outcome of intense emotional pain and distorted judgment. The stigma surrounding suicide persists, hindering understanding and perpetuating the misconception that it is a selfish act. Suicide epidemiologists…
Understanding Grief: 3 Years After Losing a Child to Suicide Summary Understanding Grief: 3 Years After Losing a Child to Suicide offers insights into three years after losing a child to suicide where grief oftentimes transitions from acute anguish to a more integrated sorrow, where love and loss coexist. This “year of transition” involves rebuilding…
Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder After Suicide Summary Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder After Suicide provides a detailed description of and discussion of “Prolonged Grief Disorder,” “previously known as complicated grief, describes long-term mourning after loss, especially from suicide. Suicide grief is complicated by guilt, shame, and societal stigma, making it difficult to move through. While labeling…
Breaking the Stigma: Facts About Suicide and Compassion Summary Breaking the Stigma: Facts About Suicide and Compassion systematically dismantles the myths and misconceptions associated with suicide, promoting a comprehensive understanding anchored in empathy and care. It methodically examines the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence suicide rates, providing essential global statistics and expert insights…
Understanding the Unique Aspects of Suicide Grief Summary Understanding the Unique Aspects of Suicide Grief explores the unique challenges of coping with suicide grief. The author, who lost her son to suicide, shares her personal experiences, her emotional journey, and provides resources for emotional support and understanding. The post includes a collection of articles and…
Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters Summary Understanding Suicide: Why the Pain Matters by author Beth Brown explores the pain and grief surrounding suicide, emphasizing that it is not a conscious choice but a desperate attempt to escape unbearable suffering. Her article highlights current research into understanding suicide and suicidal thinking, personal stories shared by…
Struggling with Guilt in Suicide Grief Summary Introduction Related Reads Parents of children who die by suicide often battle anadded type of guilt. Even if they do not blame themselvesfor not directly intervening in the suicidal act, they often feelguilt over some perceived mistake in raising their children.“Where did I go wrong?,” “I pushed them…
When Love Isn’t Enough: ‘Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand’ Summary When Love Isn’t Enough: ‘Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand’ unravels the profound complexities surrounding suicide, featuring an impactful poem and a heartfelt treatise by the author, “Ode to Suicide: That We Might Understand.” This poignant article and poetic reflection encourage readers…
Holding True to My Son’s Narrative: “Shaped by Love–And This Grief Come to Stay” Poem Analysis Summary Holding True to My Son’s Narrative: “Shaped by Love–And This Grief Come to Stay” Poem Analysis by Beth Brown explores the profound connection between love and grief following the loss of her son to suicide. The poem emphasizes…
The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience Summary The Magnolia Tree: A Symbol of Grief and Resilience explores the author’s journey of grief through the metaphor of a Magnolia tree’s cyclical seasons. The author uses photography to illustrate the parallels between nature’s cycles and the seasons of grief, finding hope and healing in…
Musician. Writer. Literary Connoisseur. Always writing, scribbling poetry, turning feelings into words. "Break my heart even further" can't ever be done, for I lost my heart the night I lost my son. Come find me writing at My Forever Son: Grief, Hope, and Healing After Losing My Son to Suicide.
At the whim of Most Beloved Cat, I write as she tattles on the garden cats. Find Most Beloved Cat sharing her stories at Gardens at Effingham: Where Cats Tell the Tales
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