Hi, I'm new hear, and this is my first post. My wonderful clinician recommended this forum to share, learn, and support. My 83 year old father completed suicide May 27th. He had some health issues, but being aware his memory and cognitive thought was rapidly deteriorating due to dementia was what I believe was the final straw, along with indications from the note he left. My sister and I were on a walk. We heard the gunshot, but we were not aware whatit was until we returned to the backyard to find my father had laid down by the garden and shot himself in the forehead with his service weapon. This is why I'm here.
So sorry. Suicide, for any reason or at any age, is just devastating to us let behind. Finding him must multiple the anguish and grief ten fold.
Shannon - I am so very sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a parent, but I can't imagine how difficult to lose your dad to suicide. How are you doing?
That is understandable. I hope there get to be more better days over time. Are there things that you find helpful on the less-good days?
Sorry for the delay...I go for walks often. At least once or twice a day. When the days get surreal, my counselor taught me grounding techniques, and the EMDR sessions with him have helped emmensly for the traumatic end of it. Daily coping varies day to day, some days more manageable than others. I'm getting out of bed, moving through my days a bit easier than 3 months ago. So I consider that progress.