Free Web Hosting by Netfirms
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Home.
Contents:
Adults
Children
Teens
Local Events
Afterlife
Memorials
Newsletter
Links
Notable Links:
Hospice Foundation of America
Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care 
National Hospice & Palliative Care Ogranization (NHPCO)
Growth Through Loss & Love

Suggestions for Survivors of Suicide

There are currently 30,000 suicides annually in the USA.It is estimated that for every suicide there are 6 survivors.Based on this estimate, it has been suggested that there are now at least 4.5 million American survivors of suicide. 
By Iris M. Bolton 

1. Know you can survive. You may not think so, but you can. 

2. Struggle with "why" it happened until you no longer need to know "why" or until you 
    are satisfied with partial answers. 

3. Know you may feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your feelings but all your feelings 
    are normal. 

4. Anger, guilt, confusion, forgetfulness are common responses. You are not crazy, you 
    are in mourning. 

5. Be aware you may feel appropriate anger at the person, at the world, at God, at 
    yourself. It’s okay to express it. 

6. You may feel guilty for what you think you did or did not do. Guilt can turn into 
    regret, through forgiveness. 

7. Having suicidal thoughts is common. It does not mean that you will act on those 
    thoughts. 

8. Remember to take one moment or one day at a time. 

9. Find a good listener with whom to share. Call someone if you need to talk. 

10. Don’t be afraid to cry. Tears are healing. 

11. Give yourself time to heal. 

12. Remember, the choice was not yours. No one is the sole influence in another’s life. 

13. Expect setbacks. If emotions return like a tidal wave, you may only be experiencing a remnant of grief, an unfinished piece. 

14. Try to put off major decisions. 

15. Give yourself permission to get professional help. 

16. Be aware of the pain of your family and friends. 

17. Be patient with yourself and others who may not understand. 

18. Set your own limits and learn to say no. 

19. Steer clear of people who want to tell you what or how to feel. 

20. Know that there are support groups that can be helpful, such as Compassionate 
      Friends or Survivors of  Suicide groups. If not, ask a professional to start one. 

21. Call on your personal faith to help you through. 

22. It is common to experience physical reactions to your grief, e.g., headaches, loss of 
      appetite, inability to sleep. 

23. The willingness to laugh with others and at yourself is healing. 

24. Wear out your questions, anger, guilt, or other feelings until you can let them go. 
      Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. 

25. Know that you will never be the same again, but you can survive and even go beyond just surviving.



Light a candleBuy a Beyond Indigo Aftercare PackagelBuy a Beyond Indigo online memorial

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by Crystal Hickerson 
Contact Me at realdivas@yahoo.com
nm