Stories about Holidays
Suicide Loss and the Holidays: Tips From a Suicide Researcher and Grief Clinician
As a psychologist who works with suicide loss survivors, I have focused on the idea of unconscious grief processes, which allows people to adopt a more accepting attitude towards their grief and healing. This concept can be particularly helpful during the holidays, which often bring in so many difficult expectations.
"It’s a Wonderful Life": A Suicide Loss Survivor’s Perspective
One of my all-time favorite films is Frank Capra’s Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Over the past several years I’ve begun to work through the pain of my father’s suicide when I was 15 years old, and I’ve discovered some connections with the film which I had not noticed previously.
Self-Care Goals for the New Year: Compassion, Respect, Patience, and Persistence
I’m not typically one for New Year’s resolutions. I’m more of a goal-setter. At the start of each year, I set a few goals that I use as a guide. Since I work in the mental health field, I’ve decided that this year, 2023, my goals will be set for self-care.
Judaism and Suicide Loss: Providing Specialized Support for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Jewish survivors of suicide loss have unique considerations in regard to their loss. For this reason, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Capital Region (NY) chapter has organized a virtual Survivor Day event specifically geared to the Jewish population, called “Through a Jewish Lens.”
We Asked, You Answered: What Do You Feel Thankful for, Even in Difficult Times?
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we wanted to know what you feel thankful for, even when you're having a tough time. Here are some of the responses we received on social media.
Thanksgiving When You Don’t Feel Thankful: Reclaiming Tradition After a Suicide Loss
We each confront grief in distinctive ways, and we should: for we are not all alike. If we listen sympathetically to our own thoughts, we may well find the way that we, as individuals, will make it through these difficult, different days.
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s: Protecting Your Mental Health During the Holidays
Concerned about the impact of the holiday season on your mental health? You are not alone.
We Asked, You Answered: What Do You Find Difficult About the Holidays – and What Do You Find Helps?
The holidays can be difficult for many of us. We asked our followers on social media for examples of what they find challenging, as well as strategies they find helpful. Here are some of their responses.
Flying Without Visibility: Coping When You Can’t See the Path Ahead
The days are starting to ebb towards winter, with less sunlight, and for some, a feeling of uncertainty as the end of the year approaches. Many of us are headed into a holiday season that will look different than in years’ past, and not in ways we had anticipated or hoped. We may be sad, frustrated or scared by this.
A Different Kind of Thanksgiving
In 1996, our son Duke died by suicide. Our world changed in so many ways. But we did not let go of our holiday celebrations. Each holiday that first year was so difficult, but we got through them. Each year it became a little easier -- mostly because he was still a part of our holiday.