Surviving + Thriving The Holidays

"If the grief is fresh, holiday cheer can seem like an affront. Celebrations may underscore how alone people feel." ~Dr. Michael Miller

Grief & The Black Community

“What is unique to the African American experience of grieving is that whatever it is that we are grieving is happening on top of the trauma residing in our bodies from the daily lived experience of existing within a system that has historically and continues currently to assault us in a myriad of ways,” said Oceana Sawyer, an end-of-life doula who helps people navigate death and grief. “People with Black bodies are already traumatized to varying degrees. When you add to that the standard losses that all humans experience when someone dies, then it can quickly get overwhelming.” ~www.huffpost.com

Suicide: I Never Dreamed You’d Leave…

"Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at risk for danger and need immediate attention." ~nihm.nim.gov

Chained By Denial

"Denial is not only an attempt to pretend that the loss does not exist. We are also trying to absorb and understand what is happening." ~verywellmind.com