by: Anna Skog

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Losing a loved one to suicide can usher in a time full of confusing and painful emotions.

Kristin Mecklenburg, a psychologist with Ellie Mental Health in Grand Rapids, said the unusual complicated emotions that follow the death of a loved one can be more layered when the death is by suicide.

“Particularly with the stigma around mental illness and suicide, it may be difficult for survivors to talk about the death, to talk about their feelings,” Mecklenburg said.

Feelings of isolation that pop up may be dangerous if not dealt with, because it can lead to depression.

“What they can do about that is really talk about their feelings. Have that space to go to their support groups, they can use journals, they can talk to their friends, certainly go to therapy, there are a lot of different resources in the community for that,” Mecklenburg said.

The grieving and healing journey is different for each person and Mecklenburg said emotions can often be conflicting.

“Know that all the emotions are OK and valid, that’s really important,” she said.

At Ellie Mental Health, people can get individual therapy and grief support groups, even specifically geared toward suicide loss. When it comes to supporting a person who has lost a loved one to suicide, Mecklenburg advised giving them space to talk.

“Give us space to be able to talk about the emotions … resisting the urge to offer advice of how they should think and feel, that’s probably one of the most important things,” Mecklenburg explained.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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