Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One

by Ann Smolin, John Guinan

Too often people suffering the aftermath of a suicide suffer alone. As the survivor of a person who has ended his or her own life, you are left a painful legacy -- and not one that you chose. Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One will help you take the first steps toward healing. While each individual becomes a suicide survivor in his or her own way, there are predictable phases of pain that most survivors experience sooner or later, from the grief and depression of mourning to guilt, rage, and despair over what you have lost.
You may be torturing yourself with repetitive questions such as "What if...?" "Why didn't we...?" and "Why, why, why?" Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One will steer you away from this all-too-common tendency to blame yourself and will put you on the path to healing and recovery. Remember, your wounds can heal and you can recover. Filled with case studies, excellent information, valuable advice, and a completely up-to-date reading list and directory of suicide support groups nationwide, this valuable book will give you the strength and hope to go on living.

Genres: Grief, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 1993

Reviews

[Ieva Smėlynuose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although there were a few good recommendations (hence 2 *), I do not recommend this book to survivors. Firstly, it is outdated and secondly it is not a sensitively construed read. Maybe due to the fact the the authors are not survivors themselves but rather moderators of the peer support groups. Extensive sections are devoted to subjectively promote such groups (however, new survivors should approach them with caution and care).

[Nancy Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book For Suicide Survivors

Helped me get through and understand many things that I was feeling. This book was written perfectly for survivors who can’t find a support group but need to understand the grieving process and healing

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book quite helpful. The authors offer their research and insights; well written.

[Stacey Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was helpful with different accounts from people who have lost someone to suicide. It talked about the benefits of going to a support group and talking through the experience

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 - This book does a great job of describing the varied experiences and emotions that people go through after losing a loved one to suicide. While the authors haven't lost someone to suicide themselves, it has lots of stories of survivors. The book does a great job of explaining how helpful survivor support groups can be. If you are trying to work up the courage to attend a meeting, this book explains what to expect.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to "like" a suicide book, but this book is helpful for its human touch. Anyone in the wake of suicide will find comfort and hope in the stories and principles found within. My personal source of greatest comfort has been prayer and my incredibly supportive friends.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish I didn't have to read this book. I thought it was helpful, but it's almost 20 years old and there has been so much more research done. It only talks about depression as a reason for suicide. It's also more of an argument for survivor support groups.

[Stephanie Klocke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful guide when coping with the loss of a loved one. It has information for all types of relationships with the departed loved one that will be hurting for coping and comfort when grieving.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book. Dealing more so with how to go on after the death of a loved one. A helpful book without all the emotions that goes along with losing a loved one to suicide.

[Fiddlin' Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best books on dealing with someone who is lost to suicide.