survival after suicide

Is there survival after suicide? In 2003 Sherri tragically lost her partner Brenda to suicide. After Brenda’s death Sherri ‘just needed to see that someone was surviving’ and attended a support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Since then she has become a co-facilitator of the group and remains active in the survivor + support community. She works hard to help shake the stigma involved with talking about suicide openly, since many people think that talking about suicide will encourage people to attempt it. I grew up with Sherri and her sisters and always looked up to her and how she fought the good fight early on for LGBTQ+ people before it was as widely accepted as it is now. Even though I had never met Brenda myself, I was devastated for Sherri when I heard the news of her death, and wondered for years what I could possibly do to help her. Now, having my podcast, I can give Sherri a platform to share her story and potentially help others who are struggling or who have lost someone to suicide. If we can help even just one person realize they are not alone in this world, then it would be worth it. If we can help lift the stigma even the tiniest of bits then it will be worth it.

If you are struggling and need help call 1-800-273-TALK or to text the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

You can visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at AFSP.org for a list of resources for those struggling or if you have lost someone to suicide. There are chapters and groups that meet, all over the United States, and could be closer than you think. Thank you Sherri for sharing your story with us all.

Remember, you are NOT alone XO

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