Touched by Suicide: Hope and Healing After Loss

by Michael F. Myers, Carla Fine, Kay Redfield Jamison (Foreword)

Whether you are struggling with fresh grief at a loved one’s death by suicide or your loss happened years ago, you should know that you are not alone. 5 million Americans are affected—directly or indirectly—by this tragedy each year. And it sends us on a lifelong search for answers, both to the practical questions and the deepest question of Why? In this definitive guide book, Michael F. Myers, MD, a leading psychiatrist, and Carla Fine, author of the acclaimed No Time to Say Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One , combine their perspectives as a physician and a survivor to offer compassionate and practical advice to anyone affected by suicide.

Genres: Psychology, Grief, Nonfiction, Mental Health

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2006

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I didn’t need to read this book but what an incredible resource to navigate loss of a loved one. Definitely doesn’t take the place of therapy but found this incredibly helpful

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick skim read of the kindle edition of the book. This book is for suicide survivors, their support people and any one who would like some assistance. It deals with related physical and mental health issues and their relationship to suicide. It incorporates testimonies from people's experiences as well as some advice from experts in the field. There are practical suggestions too. One important point to note, this book is prepared for a North American audience. If you are reading from another country or culture you need to take that into account. Also you will need to check crisis counselling and support networks relevant to your location.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must-read book by Carla Fine (see "No Time to Say Goodbye"). This books deals with surviving the loss of a loved one by suicide, how to handle people who just don't understand, the horrible disease of depression, and so much more. Carla Fine co-wrote this with Michael Myers, a physician and survivor. The way they wrote was great, it flowed together as if it had been written by one person.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate that the authors have been through the trauma of someone's suicide. The personal experiences of different people are helpful. But I can't say I like the book, the topic is so heavy. I just appreciate it.

[Bernadette López McCollom · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books on the top of my list for parents who have list a child to suicide. Basically it consists of two professionals who share their stories and those of others that are related to suicide. It helps to hear what others have experienced. It doesn’t take away the pain, but it makes you feel less alone.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't really memorable a week after finishing it, but it was helpful--a nice mix of information and studies mixed with personal commentary from the authors who have both been through it. Recommend skipping the chapters that may not apply to your situation, but the ones that do should provide good comfort and advice.

[Dalton Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a suicide survivor and want a single book, this is the one I'd recommend. I've read a handful of others during this time and they helped in a variety of ways -- but this stands alone to me.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 months ago I became a suicide survivor. Over those months I've been struggling with a great many things, one of which being how unsupported I have felt. None of the books on grief and loss seem to deal with suicide. Even a book on my faith's thoughts on death assumes that deaths are long illnesses. It only increased my guilt/internalized stigma. In addition to being a survivor, I'm also a mental health professional in training which complicates things. Yet this was the book that met a need to perfectly. I cried when reading it a few times because it felt like someone was finally speaking about what I was feeling. Even though I had never met any of the people in the book I felt a connection. I felt understood. Additionally the sections on therapy appealed to the professional in me. It was the ideal balance for me of practitioner and survivor. Hearing Dr. Myers speak candidly about his own professional experiences calmed a lot of my professional anxieties which grew out of my personal time in the "Canyon of Why".

I'll say that with any book about grief it's not for everyone or is it always going to be as helpful to others as it was to me. At my point in my journey towards healing this was what I needed. If nothing else it provides survivors with resources

[Peter Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How does one explain the inexplicable? Make sense of the senseless? Speak about the unspeakable? When someone you know and love dies by suicide, these and many more questions--an avalance of questions--take over your life. Suicide is a death like no other. It is deliberate and chosen. Is it rational? Rarely. Desparate? Always. Ignited by internal pain, suffering and absense of hope? Almost always. And it always leaves behind a legacy of mystery and devastation. Suicide touches you and you are never the same."

This is an excellent book for those touched by suicide. In a very straight-forward style it presents a lots of information, dispels many myths, and provides comfort for those surviving. I like the casual format with a lot of first person stories

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors Carla Fine and Michael F. Myers alternate turns writing while discussing suicide and the medical field. Carla Fine brings her perspective as a suicide loss survivor. Her husband was a doctor who died by suicide. Michael F. Myers brings his opinion as a psychiatrist. The book has three sections to connect to readers. The first tackles experiences suicide loss survivors may face and what to expect. The second section offers ideas to assist with the healing process. Finally, the third section looks toward finding meaning and hope in the aftermath of a suicide. I found the book helpful, if somewhat repetitive of other books. The message was hopeful and the advice practical. Two perspectives helped balance the book. Recommended for suicide loss survivors.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

14 - I think that this book and Iris Bolton's My Son, My Son are the 2 most helpful books I have read on suicide loss as I make it through all of them that I can find. I think this book is much more hopeful than Carla's earlier book No Time To Say Goodbye. I think anyone who reads that book should make sure to read this one too. You can see the progress that she has made in healing. The book does a great job of addressing the issues unique to grief after suicide.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book full of hope and healing. Just as the title implies. I found the book full of very good information. I plan to read this book again.

[Elizabeth m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, a must read.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book and great explanation and reference...particularly helpful for anyone who has known anyone who has died from suicide.