In this collection of interviews with survivors of suicide, individuals talked candidly and intimately about how their lives were impacted by the suicide of a family member or close friend. Over 50 individuals share their personal tragedies as a way of helping others who face a similar loss as well as educating the public about the issues survivors of suicide face. Their willingness to share their stories is a testament to their endurance and strength in the face of adversity.
According to the American Association of Suicidology, each year, more than 32,000 people in the United States die by suicide. It is estimated that for every suicide, at least ten other people (family members, friends, co-workers, etc.) are intimately affected by the death. That means 320,000 people per year join the five million Americans in the past 25 years whose lives have already been profoundly affected by suicide.
Dr. Bryson’s life was derailed when her father died by suicide in 1992. His death left Bryson’s family emotionally devastated. The grief was complicated many other feelings – anger, shame, confusion, guilt, and bewilderment – that made healing complicated. Perhaps most difficult in working through her grief was the lack of resources, understanding and support Bryson encountered. Even mental health professionals from whom she sought assistance seemed ill equipped to help suicide survivors in a meaningful way.
As a National Certified Counselor and educator, as well as a survivor of suicide, Bryson believes she is uniquely qualified to author a book for and about survivors of suicide. She feels very strongly in the healing power of sharing stories. By sharing their experiences, survivors of suicide can help others in coping and coming to terms with their loved one's deaths.
Many survivors expressed to Bryson the need for a book like Those They Left Behind. There are a number of books on the market intended to assist survivors of suicide, however, Those They Left Behind is unique in that it tells the personal stories of over 50 suicide survivors from all walks of life. The books includes the experiences of those who have lost spouses, siblings, parents, children, members of their extended families, and close friends. Contributors also share original poetry, short stories and essays inspired by their losses.
Those They Left Behind is also special because it is published using a profit-free publishing model allowing the book to be sold at a very low cost, and for those on a limited income, PDF copies of the book are available at no cost. Any authors/contributor sales profits are donated to suicide prevention organizations and those organizations that assist suicide survivors. In helping others deal with their losses, suicide survivors lessen their grief and do something constructive in the wake of great tragedy.
Dr. Bryson earned her doctoral degree in Human Science from Saybrook Graduate School. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Services at Ottawa University in Mesa, Arizona.
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