Losing someone to suicide is shocking, painful and unexpected. Part of being a survivor is to aim to adjust to life without your loved one. Grief work is often complex, intense and long term. There is healing and survivors will begin to enjoy life once again. 10 Ways to Honor Your Loved Ones: 1. Plant a tree or garden in their memory either at your home or in a park. 2. Some parks have a memorial program where you can plant a tree or bench with a plaque in their name. 3. Journal about your loved one.Ask your loved one’s relatives, friends, Read More »

Showing care and concern towards someone who is contemplating or threatening suicide could ultimately change the outcome of their decision. Many times, their threats are an outcry for help or an attempt to voice their feelings in the only way they know how. Ask if they are OK. Though this seems like a logical question to ask, it is many times a question that is overlooked because of its simplicity. Asking is some one is OK can open the door for them to express their feelings in a safe non-judgemental environment. Letting someone who is feeling disconnected to the rest of the Read More »

The warning signs of suicide can sometimes go undetected. IS PATH WARM? Is a way to help remember the signs of threat. I Ideation: Threatening or talking about wanting to hurt/kill him/herself; looking for ways to kill him/herself; talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary S Substance Abuse: Increase in alcohol or drug use P Purposelessness: No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life A Anxiety: agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time T Trapped: Feeling there is no way out; can’t see possibility of change H Hopelessness: doesn’t Read More »

As September 10th, otherwise known as World Suicide Prevention Day approaches it is our goal to spread awareness about suicide and how to prevent it from occurring. 6 Statistics of Suicide:  Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds,  4th leading cause of death among 35-54 year olds, and  8th leading cause of death among 55-64 year olds.  One person dies by suicide every 9 hours.  For every suicide, there are at least 6 survivors affected by their death.  4 times more men than women die by suicide; but 3 times more women attempt suicide.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through the dedicated call center number below. To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19. The applicant must be a U.S. Read More »

Every major life event requires advanced planning. From wedding receptions to graduation parties through anniversary celebrations, these milestones require months, even years, of planning to get every detail just right. A funeral is no different. Of course, it’s hard to think about life after you’re gone—but the benefits of advanced planning far outweigh the costs. Discover three reasons to take initiative and start planning your funeral now. 1. Gain Peace of Mind Planning ahead is an act of love. By recording your final wishes and even pre-paying for the services, you protect your loved ones from stressful decisions and unexpected expenses during Read More »

  Funeral directors have a career unlike any other. In today’s world, death is still a fairly taboo topic, meaning the work they do can be overlooked, misunderstood or even feared. Many people outside the profession are still unaware of how vital funeral professionals are to grieving families—and the important role these selfless individuals play in uplifting their communities. Discover four unknown factors about funeral directors:   1. Funeral directors do not work 9-5. Death does not abide by any sort of schedule, which means funeral directors are on call 24/7. The unpredictable (and often hectic) schedule makes it difficult for directors Read More »

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. If someone you love has died during the novel coronavirus pandemic, you have come to grief in an exceptionally challenging moment in history. You may have been separated from your loved one as they were dying. You may have been unable to view or spend time with the body after the death. You may have been prevented from having the full funeral you wanted because of gathering and travel restrictions. And people who care about you may not have been able to be near you to support you in your grief. These and other pandemic-related barriers to Read More »

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. If someone you love has died of the novel coronavirus, it is likely that you are facing a number of challenging circumstances. Grief is always difficult, but it is especially difficult whenever a death is sudden, unexpected, and unfolds in ways that violate our expectations and puts up barriers to the cultural grief rituals that help us through. I have been a grief counselor and educator for over forty years, and this pandemic is unlike anything I have encountered. I am sorry you have been so deeply affected by this hardship. First, it is important to understand Read More »