#130 Diary of a Broken Mind with Anne Moss Rogers
Undertaking: The Podcast Website
Trigger warning: Method mentioned briefly
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I was slated to speak at ICCFA, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association on the subject of Speaking of Suicide: How to talk to people who’ve lost someone to suicide. Like a lot of conferences, it was cancelled due to COVID19. I’m now booked for next year, however, and will be presenting the workshop virtually in other Funeral Director State Chapters. If you want to book this for your members, click here.
Stepping into one of the most shocking personal tragedies a family will ever experience presents many challenges for those in the deathcare profession. When a crisis hits, this cause of death often rises.
So far no one I know has died of the COVID19 virus although tens of thousands have. However, I know two people who have died by suicide as a result of virus isolation. I fear our death toll will not only be victims of this virus.
Knowing what to do or say after a suicide empowers those in the deathcare industry to prevent future tragedy for those they serve, as well as for those in the industry, and in our communities. It’s my goal to educate these community leaders so they can help tear down the stigma surrounding this cause of death and prevent suicide.
How?
- Those who are bereaved are at high risk of suicide. Those who’ve lost a child, are even more at risk. Knowing the signs and what to do can prevent further deaths by suicide.
- If funeral directors become comfortable with the word suicide and the subject matter, the families they serve will, too. This has a positive ripple effect among family and the community. A respectful and sensitive conversation on the subject helps families on their healing journey after suicide loss. Whereas unresolved loss can often result in self-harm, addiction, and suicide.
- By including resources in memorial bulletins and saying the word “suicide” in their ceremonies with the permission of their families, funeral directors can eradicate shame and initiate open conversation and prevent suicide by making resources available.
Free eBook: The Emotionally Naked Funeral Director: What to Say to People Who’ve Lost Someone to Suicide . 19 pages.
Funeral directors can download this free eBook
USA 988
USA Crisis Text 741-741
USA Crisis Line for LGBTQ Youth 1-866-488-7386
USA Crisis Text for LGBTQ Youth 678-678
USA TransLifeline 1-833-456-4566
USA Suicide Prevention Lifeline & Chat for the Deaf or Hearing impaired. Or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
United Kingdom Samaritans 116 123
Australia Crisis Line 13 11 14
Canada Crisis Line 1-833-456-4566
Canada TransLifeline 877-330-6366
International suicide hotlines
