After experiencing a recent suicide of a close family friend I was shocked at how little help there is out there for the survivors left behind to heal and recover.  For some reason there is more grief support if you lost your pet than if you lost a human, go figure.  Suicide is a sad situation in which we may never understand.  I think it is important to not pass judgement.  We have no idea what those last moments of the living were.  And remember, those who made this choice did have people who loved them.  It is not bad people who do this.  Suicide strikes all income and status levels.  For those who may be struggling with a sudden loss of a loved one from suicide I have found some information that may help you.  Please do not be to proud to seek help in recovery, such as, grief counseling, grief support groups, and churches.  The worst thing you can do is NOT talk about it or how you feel.  Grieving is a process for for everyone it is different.  It may not strike you at first but it will eventually be something you will need to accept, process, and recover from.

Here are some informative items and booklets I have found:

http://utahsuicideprevention.org/after-a-suicide-after-an-attempt 

http://www.namiut.org/families-caregivers/suicide-survivors

(NAMI is more focused on mental health, but has the SOS booklet which I strongly recommend)

Go to the link above and read this booklet or print out for a friend or family member  

Suicide Survivor Handbook

View and download PDF online

http://www.survivorday.org/

Resource and Healing Guide

http://www.afsp.org/content/download/2737/50333/file/resource_healing_guide.pdf

http://www.afsp.org/local-chapters/find-your-local-chapter/afsp-utah

NOTE:   Please comment below if you need help or are looking for resources in your local area.  I will see what I can find for resources.  

Just say NO to Divorce!

As the picture states below, when  your marriage is broken, fix it!  I am more of pro-marriage than pro-divorce advocate.  Yes, I myself have gone through a divorce so I know the feelings and some of the reasons for it.  However, I have now been married for over 20 years and proud of all the good and bad days we've shared.  We as individuals have changed as well as our marriage.  You have to work at it.....  You work hard for that promotion at work, to be the best parent, to have the best looking house on the block.  Why is that more important than taking care of your marriage maintenance?

I had the pleasure of speaking to Lindsay and Clinical Director Adam at Utah Valley Counseling where he patiently provided some good referrals for all types of needs.

Here are some resources I have come across that I hope you will consider before you call it quits.

In UTAH County, UT

http://utahvalleycounseling.com/therapy-services/marriage-counseling/ 

NOTE: they offer a FREE 15 minute initial phone consultation.

801-407-4134

• Communication problems
• Parenting issues
• Time together
• Differing needs
• Couple conflict
• Blow-ups or shutting down
• Bringing up past mistakes
• Financial disagreements
• Sexual issues
• Divorce and blended families
• Unemployment
• Infertility
• Anger and resentment
• Life transitions
• Chronic illness
• Addictions

If Addiction is at the root of your marriage issues, call 

http://www.suncrestcounseling.com/

801-642-2193

They have many offices all over the Wasatch front.  The phone number above is for the American Fork office.  Or you can contact their main office in South Jordan 801-255-1155

I don't think there is one family that is NOT affected by addiction.  Did you know that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance?  Some use it to self sooth their depression or anxiety, but before you know if, if your not careful you become an addict.

http://newroadstreatment.com/residential-behavioral-health/

855-249-4173

This came highly recommended due to offering inpatient, transitional, and outpatient counseling.  What I like on their website is their approach.  They are located in Sandy, UT.

NOTE:  It is also recommended that the counseling center also offer all of the areas that you and  your family will need.  For example, treat addiction, then one on one spouse counseling, then marriage counseling, and eventually family counseling.  The ripple effect of addiction is huge and though you may think that only you are suffering, children, parents, grandparents, friends, and co-workers can also be affected.  

And remember, having a spiritual aspect is also fulfilling and often needed.  Any program will WORK if you WORK at it.  Marriage counseling and Addiction treatment takes hard work, but it CAN work.  And don't forget about AA.

 I have personally seen this work, but you HAVE to work it.

area69communications@utahaa.org 

And remember,

Through God all Things are Possible!