Part 3 of 3:
by Audia Fraley, Suicide Prevention Educator
No matter how you choose to heal, whether it’s by finding support and connecting with other survivors or discovering solace in counseling, you are building upon the branches of self-care. By exploring the healing process after a suicide loss, you may begin to experience yourself in a new way. On the road to overcoming it is normal to experience ups and downs, but, through everything, it is important to always be good to yourself. In order to foster a sense of self, some survivors may incorporate reflection into their journey. Here are some examples of questions to ask yourself that may help to further the process of healing and self-discovery:
- Deep relationships: What connections were deep and meaningful?
- Open humor: When was the last time I laughed?
- Acceptance: Do I accept myself and others without judgment?
- Simplicity: Can I simply be me?
- Openness: Am I able to see things in new ways?
- Creative: Can I identify new ideas?
“The feeling of being OK does not mean that I have overcome all my inadequacies. It only means that I refuse to be paralyzed by them.” –Farid Esack
If you are grieving a suicide, we are sincerely sorry for your loss.
Let the healing begin. SOS Advocacy at HelpLine provides help and support to those grieving a suicide with their loss, pain, questions, and journey to healing. Survivors can receive one on-one-guidance to help find local SOS groups, counseling, reading materials, and other resources to cope with their loss.
