Surviving Suicide Loss: Making Your Way Beyond the Ruins

by Rita A. Schulte

Nothing could hurt worse. But even in the darkness . . . there’s hope. The pain of suicide loss is indescribable. It seems beyond survival. Yet with faith, perseverance, and the tools of brain science, there is a way through. It will take time. It will take struggle. But hope is real, for there are things you can do to make it to the other side. If you are struggling with suicide loss or you need to come alongside someone who is, Rita Schulte wants to help you move forward. As a suicide loss survivor herself, she understands the pain you’re feeling because she has been there too. Rita, an experienced therapist and expert in traumatic loss, offers a science-based therapy model that also takes into account the role of human spirituality. Chapters in this book When it comes to suicide loss, you’ll never have all the answers. But one thing is there are real pathways to help you heal—body, mind, and spirit.

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2021

Reviews

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide, but Ms. Schulte’s tragic loss of her husband and how she dedicates her life to helping others cope, heal, and thrive really speaks to my heart.

Surviving Suicide Loss deals with tragedy and triumph. The messages are delivered in a candid way with a compassionate tone. Not only did the author receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling (which makes her more than qualified to counsel others through devastating loss) but she experienced the heart-shattering sadness of suicide loss firsthand.

A section stating what NOT to say to someone who is suffering is insightful. Even when intentions are to be helpful and understanding, saying the wrong thing can add to their pain. I also found the ‘Consider This’ section at the close of each chapter reflective and beneficial, employing a list of questions that guide the wounded on a journey of healing and growth.

This book promotes more than overcoming the trauma and grief of losing someone to suicide. It fosters understanding, compassion, forgiveness, hope, and love to those left behind.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.

[Jordan Courage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me nearly 9 months to get through. It’s heavy, both emotionally and density of information. It helped me process and articulate emotions I didn’t know I was feeling. Rita is truly a gift and helping so many with her work.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a very long time to read this book. I had to read it in short segments to absorb its messages and to try to make use of it given that my own loss was just months ago. The book is a heavy read, which one would expect from its subject matter. It also is a workbook of sorts to help the reader/survivor find meaning in life after the loss of a loved one through suicide, a way forward to walk beside the grief. The book provides practical and helpful insights and suggestions as the author relates her own responses to the tragic loss of her husband. Some readers might not like the author's references to how she used her Christian faith to recover, but I was able to parse through and find nuggets of wisdom. (I'm a person of faith myself, but lack the spirituality I had before losing my loved one and am struggling now.) A meaningful book.

[Terence O · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Moment of Reflection and Healing

Surviving Suicide Loss speaks directly to the heart, soul, and mind of the brave warrior who takes the time to read this book. The stories, transparency, exercises, and the author's compassion are written well throughout the pages. Fifty years ago my mom ended her life by suicide. As an 11-year-old boy, Rita confirmed my lived experience. Every pastor needs to add this book to your library. It's a powerful resource.

[Lisa Lobdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. It is also useful for those who have lost a loved one due to a murder-suicide or drug overdose Schulte not only discusses her own path to rebuilding her life after the loss of her husband, but provides practical exercises for others who are struggling with a similar loss.

[Julianna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beacon of Hope and Healing
Rita Schulte’s Surviving Suicide Loss is a compassionate and powerful guide through unimaginable pain. With wisdom born from experience and professional insight, she offers a path toward healing that unites faith, science, and heart. Honest, comforting, and deeply human this book reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope and recovery are possible.

[cindy townley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels not right to rate this book as amazing but if you have ever experienced a loss to suicide this is a help guide. Painfully raw but yet very compassionate on how to keep living. I highly recommend this book as it deals with real issues in today's society about grief and suicide loss.

[Natalie Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Rita Schulte not only discusses the trauma associated with suicide loss but offers practical suggestions to move toward healing. I highly recommend!

[Heidi]

DNF. Way too religious for me.