Relationships After Suicide Loss; Is Implicit Bias Involved?

Today I go “down the rabbit hole” to talk about a topic that’s completely interwoven with suicide itself - it’s tied to & a part of the same stigma that may have contributed to the suicide of our loved one in the first place. Implicit bias is most commonly thought of and discussed when having to do with obvious stigmas (aka stereotypes) like race, age, sexuality, ability, etc BUT it also applies to mental health and especially to the sudden death by suicide. Let me tell you how.

In this episode I talk about (& unravel my own thoughts on) : 

• What is implicit (& explicit) bias
• Why does it matter & why does it occur
• My story about how it changed one of my primary relationships forever - secondary loss can (& often does) happen 
• What can we do about it?  Why should we?

There is so much that is said - and even what's NOT said - after suicide loss that is both toxic and further traumatizing to the grievers left behind. I believe that choosing to meet these things head-on, with others but also with ourselves, is the way through to healing. Not forgetting, but healing. Please don't mix those two up - we will never forget our loved ones but in order to move forward and bring them with us, we have to heal.

Here’s the article I talked about that highlights one suicide loss widow’s loss story & her work (her artwork) to break down the shame & stigma. I found much inspiration in Marlie Howell’s story.
 And HERE are a few links (as i promised in the episode) of places you can get involved - be active - and help erase stigmas and combat the implicit biases by appealing to where they live in us; 

• AFSP's Demand More for Mental Health Movement
• Active Minds 
• The Trevor Project
• Everytown for Gun Safety Survivor Network

_______________________________________________ 

 My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central  - MY HUB