Allyson

By Jeffrey Jackson Someone I loved very much has ended their own life. I will never truly know all that was happening in their mind that brought them to that tragic choice. However, there are things of which I can be reasonably certain… – If they were here, even they could not fully explain their…

Negative emotions surround the suicide survivor, complicating our road back from sorrow. Anger is a natural part of the grieving process, but survivors of suicide are far more susceptible to it-and not without justification. Anyone who mourns may feel anger-frustration at being powerless in the face of death or rage at some real or perceived…

While working with over 500 terminally ill patients, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross developed and shared the Five Stages of Dying in her book, On Death and Dying. World-renowned grief expert David Kessler later worked with Elisabeth to transform those stages into the popularly known Five Stages of Grief. The stages include anger, denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.…

The first candle represents our grief. The pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you. This second candle represents our courage. To confront our sorrow, To comfort each other, To change our lives. This third candle we light in your memory. For the times we laughed,…

From ACS – December 4, 2012 Losing a loved one to suicide is a painful and difficult experience. The death of a loved one is always traumatic, but during the holidays, the feelings of loss can be even more pronounced. Each person has to grieve in his or her own way, but there are some…

From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Sometimes Special Occasions are Just Difficult Even without the loss of a loved one, occasions like holidays can be stressful. Do the best you can, and remember that healing takes time, and the experience is different for everyone. How you feel this year may not be how you…

Holidays are often difficult for anyone who has experienced the death of someone loved. Rather than being times of family togetherness, sharing and thanksgiving, holidays can bring feelings of sadness, loss, and emptiness. Love Does Not End With Death Since love does not end with death, holidays may result in a renewed sense of personal…

By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D TAPS Advisory Board If you could go back in time and relive a special holiday, which one would you choose? Close your eyes for a moment and think about this holiday. Now, slowly, walk through this memory in your mind. What made it so special? What were the surroundings like?…

You are not alone. Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to walk this journey alone. We’ve been down the road you’re traveling, and we’re here for you. You will not always feel this much pain. As time passes, the hurt you feel now will change. We know from experience that your emotional pain…