ITL151: When Someone in Your Life Commits Suicide

In the Loop with Andy Andrews

On this week’s episode, I respond to a listener question about discussing the topic of depression and suicide prevention.

This week’s topic comes from a father who lost his daughter to suicide in a nationally televised story.

• I know it must be one of the hardest things in the world when somebody you love so deeply makes a decision to do this.
• I heard in your letter that she left behind two boys, 3 & 7.
• Navigating this for them is going to be tough.
• As they get older, they will need your presence and your son-in-law’s guidance.

You may have heard people or doctors say this kind of thing runs in families.

• I’m not a medical doctor, so I can’t speak to the actual working of the brain. But I take a different view.
• I think when a family member commits suicide, it brings that up as an option.
• Unless it’s dealt with, I think other family members can think, “well, so-and-so did this, and this is how they dealt with that.”

The tough thing about this will be to separate your daughter from the act and remember the love that she had.

• I can imagine that as sad as you are about this, you might be a little mad too for her child and husband.
• I really feel like forgiveness is the reset button that needs to be pushed here.

I want you to be very aware of how grateful you can be for her life.

• I am sure there are many moments you can call upon that were times of joy and excitement that she added to your life.
• In the midst of your sorrow, remember to be grateful for that gift of her life and what it meant to you, your wife, and so many other people.

Questions for Listeners

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