When a Loved One Dies by Suicide: Comfort, Hope, and Healing for Grieving Catholics

by Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, Ed Shoener (Editor), John P. Dolan (Editor)

Winner of a second-place award in the general interest category from the Association of Catholic Publishers and and honorable mention in grief and bereavement from the Catholic Media Association.

When someone you love dies by suicide, confusion, shame, and guilt often add to the emotional upheaval and spiritual turmoil in your life. When a Loved One Dies by Suicide was written by Catholics who have lost a loved one due to suicide. The contributors share their personal stories of loss, of learning to cope with the crushing grief, of finding comfort in faith and community, and of discovering hope as they began to move forward again. Suicide, although common, too often is hidden in our culture and in the Catholic Church. When a Loved One Dies by Suicide dispels the misconceptions about what the Church teaches about suicide and offers a wealth of guidance and support to help you find your own path toward healing. The contributors include Deacon Ed Shoener, Bishop John P. Dolan, Msgr. Charles Pope, Leticia Adams, Tom and Fran Smith, and clinical experts in the field of mental health and suicide. In this book, you will

128 pages, Paperback

Published December 25, 2020

Reviews

[Daniel Hackenjos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps to fill a huge gap in the lack of ministerial resources for Catholics who are grieving loved ones who have died by suicide. The personal testimonies help to allow the reader to relate in a deeper way to the struggles experienced

[Joseph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the death of our son Jacob, we have been looking out for resources to help deal with the loss. Several people recommended this book (with its accompanying video series) for a contemporary Catholic viewpoint. While Church teaching has not changed on suicide, understanding of the nuances of situations has increased. In many cases, mental illnesses and psychological disorders have a dramatic impact on the freedom people exercise in making choices. With a firm eye on pastoral concerns, this book provides ideas and examples to help those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide.

Each chapter focuses on one person's experience dealing with the loss of a loved one. No one has an easy time, though often the hardships show up in surprising ways. Sometimes co-workers or friends become more distant or act as if nothing has happened. But for the grieved everything has changed and feelings of guilt and abandonment can be exacerbated. The person explains how they have processed their thoughts and emotions, coming to a better place after the shock and horror of the first days, weeks, months, and even years after the loss.

While the book is focused on Catholic teachings, perspectives, and experiences, a lot of the content is valuable to anyone dealing with the suicide of a loved one. The people talk about understanding the mental state and challenges their loved ones faced (many struggled with depression or bipolar disorder). They struggle to understand why God would allow this to happen and what does it mean for their own lives. This book gives pathways to hope, to peace, that don't require membership in the Catholic Church (though certainly fellow Christians can follow 90 per cent of the way). We are Catholic and found it helpful, though the road ahead is long.

The book has a video series that goes with it on the Formed streaming service.

[Loretta]

A must-read for everyone who lost someone to death by suicide.
Small groups looking for books to discuss will find these perfect for this. Expect rich conversations as you ponder your own contexts and attitudes surrounding death by suicide.
Well written and heart-felt.
Burdens are lighter when carried with others.

[Rick Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I just bought this, I am impressed with the Transparency of those folks who lost Family Members to Suicide, especially Bishop Dolan who lost 3 Family Members.
The Link to those Videos of the Folks in the book is very inspiring as well.

Here is that link:

https://catholicmhm.org/whenalovedone...

So check out all 8 Videos

[Lisa Thibault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to see if it was a good resource to recommend for the Indianapolis You Are Not Alone suicide loss survivor annual retreat. I plan to add it to the top of our list. Excellent collection of stories by loss survivors and extremely comforting with the constant mention that our loved ones are loved by God.

[Regina Puratich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

These words, stories and reflections open the window for education, compassion and hope in healing concerning suicide. Let it open the window of our minds and hearts.

[Pete Orsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a novena. It has helped me in my journey to understand and to accept my daughter’s death. I am very grateful.

[Brook Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read!