Tips

Surviving your child’s suicide

Day 1. You have a 400 pound weight sitting somewhere between your chest and your stomach.

1. Get a sleep aid.
2. Buy toilet paper and tissue
3. Make a phone call. You can really only say this a few times “My child has died” so call someone who can call others.
4. Unclench your jaw.

I spent most of the night staring into the darkness until I exhausted myself and slept for about 10 minutes. Then I’d hear my son’s voice and jolt awake.

Day 2. You have a 425 pound weight sitting on your chest.

1. Eat something today. A friend said to get some protein smoothies, but really, eat anything.
2. Unclench your jaw.
3. Sit with family or close friends

1. Appoint a guide to direct people to just sit with you
2. Do not feel compelled to talk, laugh, hold tears, hug, or anything. Just breathe into your quiet and sorrow.

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