The Unseen Struggles: Navigating Year Two After Suicide Loss

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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains depictions of death and suicide. We understand that some may find these activating and/or disturbing. Please check the show notes for more detailed descriptions and additional resources. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Episode Description: The second year after losing someone to suicide can often be more challenging than the first. While the initial year is marked by shock and the immediate aftermath of the loss, the second year brings a different set of emotional hurdles. In this episode of Mending Piece by Piece, host Linda Falasco offers a raw and heartfelt account of what to expect in year two after such a traumatic loss.

No one tells you about the second year and how it can be even more difficult than the first. Linda shares the unique challenges that arise when the initial shock wears off and reality sets in. Drawing from her personal and professional experience working with other survivors, she discusses how emotions can feel more raw and pervasive during this period.

As the grieving individual processes the loss more profoundly, there is often a heightened awareness of their loved one's absence. Linda addresses the difficulties of facing a lack of support and changes in relationships. She explores the pain of secondary losses, such as friends who may have moved on or distanced themselves, unable to understand the prolonged nature of grief.

oin Linda as she sheds light on the often-overlooked second year of grief, offering insights and support for those navigating this challenging phase.

Key moments in this episode include:

The realizations and emotions after last session on Why (01:31)
Reality Sets In: The finality of the loss truly sinks in, bringing a renewed intensity to the grief. (04:52)
Lack of Support: Facing the changes and loss of relationships you once had. (17:35)
Relationships Change after this loss (26:08)
Regressing in Grief: Feelings and thoughts getting worse. (31:15)
Second-Year Holidays: Why are the second-year holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries worse? (32:50)
Planning for Holidays: Tips and strategies for making holidays more manageable. (34:00)
Internal Conflict: Living in the present while getting pulled back into the grief. (41:00)
Ongoing Waves of Grief: Understanding that traumatic grief continues and comes in waves for years to come. (43:30)

Tune in to gain valuable insights and find solidarity in your journey through the second year of grief.

CONNECT WITH LINDA:

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Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNKNZTQ

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-after-a-suicide-loss-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1142554837?ean=9798823127516

Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope

Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: https://save.org/