Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: Notes from Our Community

Our Co-Founder and CEO, Nancy Lublin, often refers to Crisis Text Line as a  giant love machine. We’re here to send love, empathy, and kindness to everyone who needs it 24/7. And, we rely on our community to power that love machine day in and day out. Today, Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, deserves some extra love in the world. So, we asked our community to share their own stories. Read on for advice, affirmations, and—you guessed it—love.

Here’s what our community wanted the world to know about suicide loss in honor of Survivors of Suicide Loss Day:

The emotions can be overwhelming and can show up in new ways every day. That’s totally normal.

Losing someone to suicide is devastating & overwhelming. It’s been close to 20 yrs since I lost my family member & I’m still effected daily because in the news & veteran & active duty military suicide rates at record highs. The impact on those left behind is unimaginable trauma.

— Jen Norris (@jsn2007) November 22, 2019

All the praise hands emojis for this. Repeat after Adam: “Grief is not linear.”

Grief is nonlinear, and relative. Take the time you need and be patient with yourself.

— Adam Castle (@AdamLCastle) November 22, 2019

Clouds show up differently every day. Still, they’re always there.

When a new therapist asked me to describe my grief after a friend died by suicide, I told her it’s the clouds.

Some days it’s overcast and all consuming and there isn’t room to feel much else. Other days it’s one cloud on a sunny day, where his memory rests in my new normal.

— allie (@AlliEsings11) November 22, 2019

Suicide is preventable. We can all help each other stay alive.

PRO TIP: You can get on this pronto. Apply to become a Crisis Counselor and become an empathy MVP.

It is the most devastating thing I’ve ever experienced, multiple times over. But it’s inspired me to fight my own suicidal ideation that much harder now... and because of those I lost, I’ve found my calling and am in a position to help others stay alive. 💜

— Danielle (@danielleglick) November 23, 2019

The world is full of kind, caring people. And, we love it.

My heart goes out to anyone that’s been or has been bullied. And for those thinking about it, I know it can seem impossible to continue. But trust me when I say this, there is ALWAYS at least ONE person on Earth that cares.

I care.

— Zinnia27 (@edesilva2016) November 22, 2019

If you’re grieving, we’re here for you. If you are considering suicide, your life matters. And, we’re here for you, too. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.