Stories about Healing Conversations
Finding Strength Through Connection As a Healing Conversations Coordinator
My wife Alice and I had known each other for 35 years and been married for 33 years. Losing her to suicide in 2016 was a terrible, traumatic experience. It was the people I met through AFSP who convinced me to become involved as a volunteer. I realized that we gain more strength through connection.
Does Everything Really Happen for a Reason?
While I still struggle with the concept of whether everything happens for a reason, my own experiences have led me to this conclusion: that while we cannot ever fully control the negative experiences that happen in our lives, we can use them to shape our lives and paths for the better.
Losing My Husband to Suicide: The First Two Years
Grief is not linear. Everyone experiences grief differently. Grief moves at its own pace.
Honoring My Mother by Working Toward a World Without Suicide
My mother Helen is the reason why I fight to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. Helen was an amazing mentor and confidant to me. I felt I could tell her anything.
Helping Others in Honor of a Loved One
To learn more about our exciting work and read other Volunteer Spotlight Stories, see our 2019 Annual Report.
Being There for Other Suicide Loss Survivors
These were my goals. But I couldn’t help asking myself: “How can I help others when I couldn’t help the person who mattered most to me?”
Without Judgment: Helping Others Heal from a Suicide Loss
There is help available for those who are suffering and for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. It’s okay not to be okay.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Unveils New Name for Flagship Program: Healing Conversations
The nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention today unveiled a new name for one of its flagship programs Healing Conversations.
Transforming Loss into Action
"I advocate in the hope that we can save lives and fewer parents will have to experience this devastating loss.”
For You, I Will
After he passed, I thought a lot about his tattoo, and how he lived his life. I decided I wanted to help people, too.
The Grandfather Clock
The pain of losing my mother will never be gone. All I can do now is try to channel that pain.