For many reasons, often one of the most vexing topics when discussing grief and loss is suicide. Recent research suggests that avoiding the topic does not help those who are in need of assistance and in fact open, honest discussion can elevate understanding, prevention, and a sharing of good practices. There is also no real data to suggest that publicly discussing this topic increases the likelihood that individuals will contemplate this path.

As Alan Wolfert suggests: As a result of fear and misunderstanding, many of us as survivors of suicide are often left alone and in silence when we desperately need unconditional support and compassion. As a suicide survivor, I discovered firsthand that we suffer in a variety of ways: one, because we need to mourn the loss of someone significant to the meaning of our life; two, because we have experienced a sudden, usually unexpected traumatic death; and three, because we are often shunned by a society unwilling to enter into the pain of our grief. What we need and deserve is unconditional love, not shame or judgment, either for our feelings or the decision made by our loved one.

In the spirit of addressing a topic that often intersects with sudden and complicated grief - as well as one that might "disrupt the order" - please have a look at the website for the American Foundation for Suicide Preventionwith specific attention to the part that encourages story sharing.

Then enter into a discussion as follows:

• Based on our learning in the course so far, what are some reactions to this site?
• How can sharing stories build awareness?
• Can you think of a scenario where doing so might not be as helpful? Why?
• Differentiate how sudden loss differs from prolonged loss as it relates here