Dealing with Loss From a Suicide

I never thought I would have to try and deal with the loss of my little brother. In my perfect little world I had it planned my siblings would out last me. I guess death is like that. Death doesn’t disciminate on a person’s age, race, or sex. Two years and four months ago I found out I was wrong to think death could be escaped. Terry was a very special person. He was my only brother and one of my best friends. Suicide leaves a big hole in your life. You are left with lots of questions on why would someone chose to take their own life? Why didn’t I see this coming? Could I have saved them? What was so wrong?

I have learned that people who suicide think they have no other choice left. It is a permant fix to life’s temporary problems. For me it has taken a very long time to heal from losing my little brother. Still a work in progress. I’m not sure if I will ever heal but have learned to live with the fact that he is gone and I have to keep living. My hope is that maybe someone will read this and it will be of help.

Some of the ways I have learned to cope are getting involved with local suicide prevention and awareness groups. My husband, my sister, friends, family, and myself also have attended the “Out of the Darkness Walk” that takes place every year. I have talked with my husband and my sister a lot over the last two years and they are my biggest support system. There are many books and websites that offer help in the healing process. My heart goes out to anyone who has had to deal with such a loss.