Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss

Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss

From the chief medical correspondent of ABC News, an eloquent, heartbreaking, yet hopeful memoir of surviving the suicide of a loved one, examining this dangerous epidemic and offering first-hand knowledge and advice to help family and friends find peace. Jennifer Ashton, M.D., has witnessed firsthand the impact of a loved one’s suicide. When her ex-husband killed himself soon after their divorce, her world—and that of her children—was shattered. Though she held a very public position with one of the world’s largest media companies, she was hesitant to speak about the personal trauma that she and her family experienced following his death. A woman who addresses the public regularly on intimate health topics, she was uncertain of revealing her devastating loss—the most painful thing she’d ever experienced. But with the high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, Dr. Ashton recognized the importance of talking about her experience and the power of giving voice to her grief. She shared her story with her Good Morning America family on air—an honest, heartbreaking revelation that provided comfort and solace to others, like her and her family, who have been left behind. In Life After Suicide , she opens up completely for the first time, hoping that her experience and words can inspire those faced with the unthinkable to persevere. Part memoir and part comforting guide that incorporates the latest insights from researchers and health professionals, Life After Suicide is both a call to arms against this dangerous, devastating epidemic, and an affecting story of personal grief and loss. In addition, Dr. Ashton includes stories from others who have survived the death of a loved one by their own hand, showing how they survived the unthinkable and demonstrating the vital roles that conversation and community play in recovering from the suicide of a loved one. The end result is a raw and revealing exploration of a subject that’s been taboo for far too long, providing support, information, and comfort for those attempting to make sense of their loss and find a way to heal.  “ Life After Suicide is an honest and beautifully written book by Dr. Jennifer Ashton that provides hope, comfort, and support to all of those who have lost loved ones—as well as those who have struggled with depression or suicidal impulses themselves. By sharing her story—and those of other survivors—Dr. Ashton is helping to remove the guilt and shame so often associated with mental health challenges in general—and suicide in particular. This powerful book is a gift to all who are working to change the culture so that those in need receive the care they deserve.” - Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., President and Founder of Give an Hour and the Campaign to Change Direction “Using the raw and compelling stories of herself and others who have lost loved ones, Life After Suicide destigmatizes mental illness by bringing the tragedy of suicide out of the shadows. Dr. Ashton has captured the physical, emotional, social, and logistical journey of grief, living through tragedy, and the process of healing with a brave spirit and a gentle heart. She opened my eyes to a world we all need to understand to live without shame, blame, anger or guilt. This book will save lives and honor memories.” - -- DR. MEHMET OZ “This book is one of the most important books of our time. It will help reduce shame and stigma and it will help shine a light on addressing mental health and mental illness. And perhaps, most importantly, to every suicide loss survivor, this book makes it clear . . . YOU ARE NOT ALONE! You do not have to bear the burden by yourself. Reach out, connect, and you will find yourself on a path to healing . . . a path to Life After Suicide.” - Talinda Bennington, mental health advocate and widow of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park “Dr. Ashton is helping to remove the guilt and shame so often associated with mental health challenges in general – and suicide in particular. This powerful book is a gift to all who are working to change the culture so that those in need receive the care they deserve.” - -- BARBARA VAN DAHLEN, Ph.D., President and Founder of Give an Hour and the Campaign to Change Direction “Dr. Ashton has captured the physical, emotional, social, and logistical journey of grief, living through tragedy, and the process of healing with a brave spirit and a gentle heart. This book will save lives and honor memories.” - -- – DR. MEHMET OZ “This book is one of the most important books of our time. It will help reduce shame and stigma and it will help shine a light on addressing mental health and mental illness.” - -- TALINDA BENNINGTON, mental health advocate and widow of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park From the outside, Jennifer Ashton, M.D., had it all together: two loving children, an amicable family-focused relationship with her recent ex-husband, Rob, and a flourishing career as a privately practicing Ob-Gyn and a