It's Not Your Fault.

Suicide is no one’s fault. It is a singular act and, no matter how harsh this may sound, the person who commits the act is the only person responsible for the loss of life. If you are someone whose loved one has committed suicide you may assume guilt or feel shame for not being able to prevent the tragedy from happening. You may say things like, “I should have been there more”, or “I should have recognized the signs”, or maybe you just question whether it was all your fault.

Losing someone close to you can bring a lot of pain, self-doubt, and guilt. If you have said, or even though things like this please know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Many times, the reasons why you could not have done more to prevent the tragedy is because people struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression do everything in their power to hide what they are feeling due to the stigma of mental illness.

It is not your fault. There is nothing you can do to bring that person back and the best you can do is live on and carry their memory. Love the people that they loved and share your own story in hopes that one day you can help others.

* If you or someone you know if struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can visit suicideprevention.org for help and resources.