Author Archive: Melissa A.F.

The most valuable thing you can do when trying to assist someone with the grief and loss of a loved one, is to have the ability to become a chameleon and change your role, according to what the individual needs…
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There is a simple answer to the question of suicide being a cowardly way out. The answer is no. Being a suicide survivor from the time I was in the first grade, suicide will forever be something defining in my…
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Honestly, there is no black and white when it comes to dealing with death. Every situation is different and every individual who had to come to terms with death will have their own way to comfort themselves. Some people try…
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My father left this earth when I was just entering the first grade. My life was just beginning and he chose to end his. I never actually knew it was a suicide at that time. Explaining suicide to a first…
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Some people can let a certain day of the year go by without giving it a second thought. I am not one of those people. I know on September 18th every year, I will mourn the loss of my father….
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While the resources for those suffering from mental illness are much more plentiful in the present time than in previous years, people need to remember these resources are not magic; mental illness is a vicious opponent in the suicide battle…
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I write about my father frequently which means I find myself writing about death and loss frequently. A lot of people may find this odd to want to write about grief and loss. After all, why would I want to…
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So often we take our loved ones for granted. It is easy to do. They are there for us on a daily basis and in the course of our everyday life it is uncommon to think that they will leave…
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Those who do not experience something will never fully understand it. That is why it is the job of those who are experienced to come forward and educate the others. I fully believe that we are brought tragedy into our…
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My mother is a nurse and has been for over 35 years. During her long career taking care of other people, she has witnessed families in their most vulnerable and heartbreaking moments. She has also witnessed patients who are suffering…
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As a suicide survivor, let me tell you that coming across an article title named “Why suicide should never be an option” brings out the emotion. Wow, suicide should never be an option?! You don’t say! No, suicide should not…
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The people who make suicide an uncomfortable and difficult topic to discuss are those who are ignorant about all aspects of suicide. Those who are uneducated about this topic are the ones who have made suicide something taboo, therefore this…
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