This is a great read. It shares a therapist's journey in trying to treat a family that lost their son to suicide. The therapist lost her mother the same way, and it is a healthy vulnerable account of family dynamics after such a loss.
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As we know, every family is unique, and this quality is particularly evident in the way members respond to a loved one’s suicide. There’s no one way, no right way.
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"Persistent complex #bereavement disorder” is how the current #DSM describes what happens to many #family members and friends who lose someone to #suicide. But in my mind, being emotionally shredded by a loved one’s suicide and taking a lifetime to learn how to come to terms with it is not a disorder: it’s a normal response. After all, we survivors—parents, children, siblings, partners, friends, and even therapists—are often left feeling like helpless witnesses, devastated victims, and sometimes unwitting accomplices. Suicide isn’t simply the tragedy of someone taking their own life: it’s also the long, excruciating nightmare of being left behind.
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I'm afraid we all probably know someone that has attempted and succeeded or survived. It's hard to know what to say to the family and friends left behind.
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I know a Mom whose son took his life at 11 in my town due to bullying. I don't know how she functions. But she does for her two sons and a #mission to try and help others learn from her tragedy. You never know what someone is going through, so please be kind.
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See her story here and her non profit organization. She is in the process of getting her children's book #published. I'm helping her with the little things.
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By the way, the Luke in her story is my son. At the time, he was too little to have the conversation, and I told him Shane was sick. I honestly did not know what to do. 🙏🏼