GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Losing a loved one to suicide can usher in a time full of confusing and painful emotions.
Kristin Mecklenburg, a psychologist with Ellie Mental Health in Grand Rapids, said the unusual complicated emotions that follow the death of a loved one can be more layered when the death is by suicide.
“Particularly with the stigma around mental illness and suicide, it may be difficult for survivors to talk about the death, to talk about their feelings,” Mecklenburg said.
Feelings of isolation that pop up may be dangerous if not dealt with, because it can lead to depression.
“What they can do about that is really talk about their feelings. Have that space to go to their support groups, they can use journals, they can talk to their friends, certainly go to therapy, there are a lot of different resources in the community for that,” Mecklenburg said.
The grieving and healing journey is different for each person and Mecklenburg said emotions can often be conflicting.
“Know that all the emotions are OK and valid, that’s really important,” she said.
At Ellie Mental Health, people can get individual therapy and grief support groups, even specifically geared toward suicide loss. When it comes to supporting a person who has lost a loved one to suicide, Mecklenburg advised giving them space to talk.
“Give us space to be able to talk about the emotions … resisting the urge to offer advice of how they should think and feel, that’s probably one of the most important things,” Mecklenburg explained.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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