13 Oct Losing a Child to Suicide

It’s a terrible tragedy to lose any child, no matter his or her age. It’s simply traumatic to lose a child to suicide.

Yet, we take comfort that a parent, either father or mother, can heal from the shocking loss of a darling son or daughter. It’s about reaching out for professional help and taking recovery steps, so that one can release the pain and cherish precious memories. Then pick up the pieces, to live again, embracing the other child (or children) who are around, and creating new shared dreams together.

LSL lost her 26-year-old son to suicide. It tore her apart. She sought psychiatrist help and treatment for trauma, but she is still not able to move beyond her grief. A year later, she signed up for the Grief Recovery Method Group Program. On completion, this was what she wrote in the post-program feedback:

“I was truly glad that I came for this course. I am not afraid to recall memories of my son anymore, as I have learned how to deal with the emotions in a more constructive manner. I am more confident to move forward as I know what to do. I have the skills to be complete emotionally, with no negative feelings. I will surely share this workshop and what I’ve learned to people around me.”

She also commended the facilitator with, “You have set a good example of how to overcome grief. We see strength and courage from the personal experience you have shared with us.” [LSL, May 2019]

One of the goals of the Grief Recovery Method is for grievers to cherish fond memories without the pain.

Overcoming grief is not trying to get over, under or around it. It’s about getting through it.

Recovery means acquiring the skills we should have been taught as a child. These skills allow us to deal with loss directly, to acknowledge it, and to move beyond it.