I have been thinking about doing a Facebook Live event, say 30 minutes on the subject of life after the loss of a loved one who died from a stigmatized illness, specifically addiction or mental illness.

Talking points below. This is my first LIVE event and this is not a presentation, it’s an event where I want to hear from you. How it works is below. I will be limiting this to 30 minutes.

What else are you going to do in one hundred degree weather? (That’s for those on the east coast)

When?

Sunday, July 24 at 6:30pm EST

Where?

My Facebook Page

Who is it for?

• It will be a public
• Moms and dads of children who died by suicide or overdose. (Child of any age)
• Relatives of loved ones lost to overdose or suicide
• Concerned friends and family and anyone who wants to know how to support grieving parents and what to say
• Other parents of children who are currently struggling with issues (you can watch without commenting if you are afraid your kids will see)
• Moms and dads of children that died of any cause
• Anyone who wants to tune in.

How does it work

Basically it’s a live streaming talk on Facebook. I am live and you are typing in comments and questions or merely watching.  You type in your questions or make comments under the video which will be here, on my timeline.

I can read them in real time and can respond or ask other moms and dads out there. Here is an example of a recorded live session that I actually taped online to announce it.

This will be my first event. I have tested it but there may be a dog barking or some other disturbance. We’ll press on. Would appreciate the support of friends and family when I give this a go.

Talking points

• For the suicide and overdose loss survivors, what are some of the things you have really appreciated in terms of support and help?
• What would you rather others did not say to you?
• What comments have meant the most to you?
• Has the stigma of the death made things more difficult?
• What have you found awkward?
• Have you found that others avoid the subject of your child that died? How does that make you feel?
• For parents struggling still, what questions do you have? Comments?
• Comments on the time

Now I’m going to hit publish so I commit myself to this.

Click the picture to see the video on Facebook announcing it.

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