Suicide Survivors are Heroes
by Kevin Caruso
A hero can be defined in many ways, such as the following:
A person revered especially for noble courage.
And I would categorically state that the vast majority of suicide survivors are aptly described by that definition.
Let me give you ten reasons why suicide survivors are heroes:
1) There is still a very strong stigma associated with suicide, and thus suicide survivors receive a heavy cross to bear from day one because of the stigma associated with suicide.
2) Suicide survivors are oftentimes subjected to cruel comments by hateful, ignorant individuals. And after losing a loved one, the comments can pierce their core like a sharp knife.
3) Suicide survivors are subjected to cruel and inaccurate statements from people who claim to be religious. For example, some of these hateful people say that those who die by suicide “go to Hell.” It is extremely disquieting for suicide survivors to listen to that GARBAGE after losing a loved one.
4) Suicide survivors oftentimes hear the false statement that “suicide is a sin.” But suicide is not a sin. Not in any way. Yet they still must hear this idiotic phrase from “holier than though” individuals who thrust their IGNORANCE and HATE on others.
5) Suicide survivors also hear the same "sin” and “hell” ignorance from some members of the clergy. So oftentimes when suicide survivors are seeking spiritual comfort, they are confronted with more IGNORANCE.
6) Suicide survivors oftentimes find it difficult to open up to people because of the strong negative reaction that they receive when they talk about suicide.
7) Surviving a suicide brings excruciating, almost unbearable, long-term pain.
8) Suicide survivors oftentimes suffer from mental disorders, such as clinical depression or PTSD, because of the suicide.
9) Suicide survivors oftentimes become suicidal themselves because of all of the things mentioned above.
10) In spite of the hell that suicide survivors UNFAIRLY go through, the vast majority of suicide survivors are extremely loving and caring people who go out of their way to help other people.
I rest my case...
Suicide survivors are heroes.
The people who SHOULD be stigmatized are the ones who spew ignorance and hate about suicide.
One more time: Suicide survivors are heroes.
Always remember that. And whenever you meet a suicide survivor, remind that person that he or she is A HERO…
…and that the loved one they lost to suicide is an ANGEL.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
