Whether a person is just starting to think about self-harm, talking about dying, or has actually made a suicide attempt, I believe it is most essential to explore the healthy reasons behind the thoughts and actions.
Yes, the healthy reasons, because here as elsewhere, I believe actions derive from underlying healthy needs and the route out of pain involves looking at those healthy needs.
If a suicide has been completed, the challenges continue for the Survivors of Suicide, that is, the people left behind. Here the emotions run a wide gamut, with confusion and anger complicating the sadness and loss. Addressing issues as Survivors sometimes works best with a number of family and friends meeting together, in a time-limited group setting called Suicide Postvention.
If any of this is affecting you, please know you don't have to shoulder your burdens alone. I have addressed such difficulties with many people in 38 years of providing psychotherapy. I invite you to call and see if my approach might be the new perspective you are seeking.
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