336: Turning Inward - Healing after Tragedy with Alexandra Wyman

Suicide is an intensely emotional event that affects not only the individual who chooses to end their life but also the survivors left behind. Today, we will explore the devastating experience of suicide and its profound effects on individuals and communities.

Dr. Debi sits down with Alexandra Wyman, author of Amazon best-selling book "The Suicide Club," for this week’s episode to discuss the sensitive and heartbreaking topic of suicide. Together, we explore the grief and unanswered questions that come with losing a loved one to suicide, offering tools, strategies, and support for healing. 

Suicide is a deeply distressing and tragic event that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those left behind. The emotional impact, unanswered questions, feelings of betrayal, and stigma surrounding suicide make it an incredibly challenging journey for those navigating the aftermath. Alexandra discusses how, unfortunately, when it comes to suicide, the loved ones left behind can often be questioned, blamed, and shamed. This makes the healing process even more challenging. She emphasizes the importance of providing lots of love and support to those who are hurting, without judgment or blame. It is crucial for society to foster open conversations about suicide, provide support, and create a safe space for survivors to heal and find solace.

Each person's healing journey is unique, and it's crucial to find the tools and resources that work best for you. Alexandra shares her toolbox of healing, including a suicide support group, therapy, journaling, exercise, meditation, and more. Remember, there's no right or wrong choice when it comes to healing. Explore different options and find what resonates with you.

Join us for this important conversation and learn how to navigate the complex emotions surrounding this type of betrayal. 

Key Takeaways:

[00:03:34] Legal action and custody questions.

[00:04:05] Questions of blame and grief.

[00:07:12] Setting boundaries and grieving.

[00:10:31] Embrace emotions for healing.

[00:12:00] Spirituality and questioning.

[00:15:23] Dreams and connecting with loved ones.

[00:18:39] Love and compassion and forgiveness.

[00:21:27] Forgiveness as a healing process.

[00:23:11] Forgiveness brings freedom and healing.

[00:25:48] Finding something to anchor to.

[00:28:41] Suicide support group, therapy, journaling.

Memorable Quotes

"And for me, what was most helpful was just people reaching out and saying, I'm thinking about you. I'm here for you when you're ready. That was great and comforting because at that time, what most people were asking is, what can we do? And I said, the one thing I want no one can do. I want my husband back here. No one can do that. So just being open and available without kind of projecting our own ideas of grief and what an individual would need based off of what we think we would need." – Alexandra Wyman

"And I tell people now, work through, you know, it's horrible to work through those feelings, but it feels amazing on the other side. It really does. I felt lighter." – Alexandra Wyman

Links Mentioned In This Episode

Website: https://thepbtinstitute.com/forgiveness/

Where To Find Our Guest

Website: https://www.forwardtojoy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardtojoy/