Living After Loss: Pushing Forward when a Loved One Dies by Suicide

I didn’t ask to be part of the “Survivors-of-loved-ones-who-have-died-by-suicide" club.

Nobody does. No one craves to be caught in the middle of a train wreck so powerful it flips your entire world upside down. The anger, the guilt, the yearning to defend our loved one’s character in spite of their entire life’s existence now being criticized and analyzed as the result of how they died. We didn’t ask for this. Yet, so many find ourselves here.”

Through her own experience of losing her mother to suicide, author, Ashley Lorraine reflects on the emotions she faced and steps she took to navigate through her journey of grief. The numerous questions, a roller coaster of emotions, and a lingering impact:

• Why?

• What if?

• Shock, Avoidance, Anger, PTSD, Rejection, Abandonment.

Then, eventually the decision to move forward and discover:

• A newly found identity

• Purpose

• Rekindled joy

Most resources in the mental health arena focus on suicide prevention. Little focus is placed on those already dealing with the aftermath. It is because of this, Ashley has chosen to write this book. She does not claim to have all the answers, or the ability to remove the pain that comes with losing someone to suicide. However, her hope is to let others know they are not alone in their healing journey. Pushing forward and finding joy again after tragedy is possible.