New Patient Story

My family member recently died from "accidental suicide", as did her Dad and her Grandpa so this is the 3rd generation to suffer the same fate. I would like to think it doesn't touch all families but it does, even if not directly. In our family, we have to be constantly vigilant that symptoms of mental illness,drug addiction and suicide are things we constantly watch for and caution our kids that there is both a genetic and environmental component to these devastating conditions. We like to say it's not a generational condition but the odds are that if suicide occurs in a family, it is more likely to occur again...the impossible/unthinkable sometimes becomes a more possible option, especially if resilience, support and effective ongoing non-judgmental treatment are not chosen. The guilt, shame and regrets that then visitors to those loved ones left behind can be debilitating, as they grieve a death that in our society is somehow often cloaked in more secrecy and shame.