Suicide Survivors: The Suicide was Not Your Fault
Suicide Survivors: The Suicide was Not Your Fault
by Kevin Caruso
I have talked with innumerable suicide survivors, and I have heard many statements like these:
- It was my fault.
- I should have seen some signs.
- I should have done something.
- I feel responsible.
- I did not do enough.
- I should have listened more.
- I should have spent more time with him/her.
- I should have taken him/her to a therapist sooner.
- I will never forgive myself.
- I could have done more.
- Why didn't I see any signs?
- I just didn't know enough.it's my fault.
If you have said or felt anything similar to the statmemts mentioned above, then you are experiencing something that is very normal.
The deep pain of losing a loved one to suicide can bring out many questions and doubts.
But please be gentle with yourself.
And please always remember that it was not your fault.
Over 90 percent of the people who die by suicide were suffering from depression or a similar mental illness at the time of their death.
And oftentimes the people who are suffering from depression or a similar mental illness do everything that they can to hide their illness because of the social stigma associated with it. Innumerable suicide survivors have told me that there was no indication at all of a mental illness or serious problem in the life of their loved one before he or she died by suicide.
And even if it was clear that a mental illness existed, it was the mental illness that caused the suicide, not you.
When a chemical imbalance exists in someone's brain, he or she cannot possibly think straight.
Again, the reason people die by suicide is this: mental illness.
The suicide was not your fault.
So please be gentle with yourself.
And please take care of yourself.
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
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