Know that those who have been seeing a counsellor and taking various medications have also taken their lives. Know that people who have been diagnosed with depression or who have attempted suicide in the past have died by suicide. There are probably many other questions you’re seeking answers to. If you didn’t know, you’ll want to know why she did it or why you didn’t recognize it. If you knew your child was suffering you’ll want to know why you couldn’t stop him from taking his life. If you have not asked this question yet, you will. Know that you’re on a journey unique to you and that while it may be rocky, each day does gets a little better.

Yes, even joy.ĭon’t set yourself up for further anguish and frustration by expecting to do this on a timeline.

Each day will bring new challenges, new surprises, and new moments of clarity and even joy. Understand that you’ve been put on a journey that has no end but it will continue to move forward. If you’re looking for an agenda of what to expect, when, and how to do it, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re a planner, throw that attitude out the window. The first bit of insight I wish to share is that there is no timeline for this journey that you’re on. If I don’t have the chance to speak to you personally, here’s what I want you to know.Ī Letter to Parents Surviving a Child’s Suicide There Is No Timeline It’s for all you parents who are grieving the loss of a child to suicide or those who are attempting to support grieving family and friends. That is why I’m writing this particular post. Yet there is so much I want to say and share with them. In others, it’s either too soon for them or too painful for me. In some cases it’s just a matter of there being too many of them and too few of me. By being so open about his struggles (and the fact that I was so clueless about them), I have welcomed a slew of invited and uninvited conversations with other parents who are also grieving the loss of a child to suicide or struggling to support a child who has attempted suicide.įurther, I have discovered many more families who are suffering that I don’t know or have not been able to reach out to.

This journey has been complicated by the creation of a mental health awareness initiative inspired by my son’s efforts while alive.

In that time I’ve experienced the rollercoaster of emotions you would expect someone in my shoes to endure. I recently passed the one year anniversary of my 19 year old son’s death by suicide.

Cry of fear suicide