Family Visits

After visiting with two families that have lost loved ones to suicide I am struck by their both their resiliency and their continuing sorrow. A common thread has been that people are determined to create something positive out of tragedy.  Families are determined to make changes in the mental health services available as well as to change the culture of silence that surrounded mental health for so long.  Despite this incredible resiliency their sadness is palpable at the very same time.  One survivor I spoke with lost three family members to suicide over a thirty year period.  As he spoke of his oldest brother’s suicide he broke into tears.  He made it clear that the completed suicide of a family member isn’t something that you get over, but it can be something you learn to live with.  And if you can, try to take your experience and pain to make an impact on your community by saving lives.  I can only hope that if I lost a loved one to suicide I would be able to find the strength to honor my pain and use it to save the lives of others.