Suicide should not be a taboo subject

11 Comments

Almost 2 years ago I lost my only sister, my big sister, to suicide. It is such a taboo subject. Nobody wants to talk about it for fear of upsetting those left behind. I am writing this to ask that those of you who know someone who has been through this terrible ordeal, think twice and don’t let your friends suffer alone. The first few weeks people asked me a lot if I was okay. Of course I wasn’t, but that is not what they wanted to hear so I said I was fine. Please take some time out of your busy lives to spend with those who have been left behind. A short visit, a shoulder to cry on, share some happy moments that you remember. The worst thing you can do is act as if nothing has happened.. I know life goes on but for some people, when they lose a family member this way, it takes a long time for things to return to normal. Some take a few weeks, others take years. Don’t forget to keep checking on them. If it is uncomfortable for you to talk about, just imagine how hard it is for the person who lost a loved one. The more we discuss suicide, the easier it will be and the more we acknowledge others pain, the better they will be and the faster they will heal. The emptiness does not simply just go away. Speak their name, share your stories, show your friends that you care and that you are there for them, even if it is difficult. Trust me, it is much more difficult to be the one left alone. We do not need ‘time alone to heal’. We need people around us who care, and who show that by being there during the hard times. We need ongoing support, not just a 5 minute phone call once a week for the first few weeks and then nothing. it is easy to think people are coping okay when you are not in touch often. Stay in touch, make sure they are okay. And don’t fall for the ‘it’s ok, i’ll be fine’ line that you are given. We, the survivors, are not fine, we just say that to make it easier for you. The ones suffering the most are the ones who don’t want to bother others with their’ downer’ stories. We don’t want to repeatedly sound sad, but we are, even when we say other wise. Trust your instincts. If you feel you need to visit a friend who has lost a loved one, then go and visit. It is not an intrusion. It is a welcome respite from sitting alone and thinking, thinking thinking. Show that you care and continue to show that you care for a long time after the death, because the pain lasts forever, even though life goes on.

Posted anonymously, 25th February 2014

11 Comments

- - mom103936 said
  - 03 Feb 2015
    11:36 am
Thank you for posting this.
I am truley saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful sister.
This really hits home to me.
I lost my only child in July 2013. Honestly nobody asks me how I am anymore. I am so so alone. I can totally empathis with where you are coming from.
I hate this loneliness. It would be so nice if it felt like somebody cared about me.
If you ever need someone to talk to. I would be happy to listen. Take care and my thoughts are with you.

- - mom57522 said
  - 10 Jan 2015
    8:30 pm
Thank you for posting this, you have made me think.

- - ginoula5 said
  - 06 Aug 2014
    6:57 pm
So very sorry to read about your loss, thank you so much for sharing. x

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 16 May 2014
    6:21 pm
talking is a very important part of greiving, it helps us move along.

its always been a taboo subject though, and while it would be nice to see that changed, I dont think it ever will. I sympathise with you, and am greatful you made it through such a trying and hard time. loosing someone to their own hand is one of the hardest things to have to come to terms with.

- - coppin85 said
  - 12 May 2014
    7:10 pm
thank you for taking the time to right this, i know someone that lost her son (my cousin) and this is very important

- - kathryn said
  - 30 Apr 2014
    9:11 am
Very brave of you to share this and raise such an important topic. I’m sorry for your loss and grateful that you’ve been able to share helpful information to assist others when faced with suicide.

- - shazzbot said
  - 07 Apr 2014
    8:40 am
I am so sorry for your loss. My son’s best friend committed suicide and it was just unreal, couldn’t believe it, so young, our son need som counselling afterwards as he was so upset. Even now 2 years later, he talks about it.

- - yyon4699 said
  - 29 Mar 2014
    10:03 pm
It tough to deal with attempt suicide cases where you really can’t rely on counselling or phone calls. Like any patient the Doctor needs to know specifically what’s going on in order to treat you. Family / friend support is very crucial and I hope they should open up to people who they trust and talk about it. There’s nothing worst than taking your own life, Prayers to you and your family.

- - jodie80 said
  - 26 Mar 2014
    8:02 pm
im so sorry to hear about this. I think people shouldn’t just ignore the fact that lots of kids these days are depressed

- - hopefullyheidi said
  - 18 Mar 2014
    12:21 am
I’m so very sorry for your loss and I thank you for your advice. I haven’t been through this loss but I do know about personal pain and sometimes it’s just the company of a fellow human being sitting beside you with a cup
Of coffee or tea and a kind ear that can make the world of difference.

- - yyon4699 said
  - 15 Mar 2014
    1:13 pm
I am truly sorry to hear this