Recommended Reading List

In the aftermath of a suicide death, suicide attempt, or any experience that causes grief, there is often an overwhelming need to understand “why.” Literature can be helpful in processing these intense feeling. Find comfort and understanding in the words of these authors – many of whom have also treaded a similar grief journey after losing a loved one to suicide, or navigated life after an attempt or with a mental illness. This list also includes online resources for bereavement, mental illness, and suicide prevention.

Books for survivors of a loved one’s suicide:

  • Bialosky, J. (2011). History of a suicide: My sister’s unfinished life.New York: Atria Books.
  • Bolton, I. (1983). My Son … My Son …: A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide. Atlanta, GA: Bolton Press.
  • Braun, N. (2009). No way to behave at a funeral: A tale of personal loss through suicide.Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia: Sid Harta.
  • Cobain, B., & Larch, J. (2006). Dying to be free: A healing guide for families after a suicide.Center City, MN: Hazelden.
  • Fine, C. (1997). No time to say goodbye: Surviving the suicide of a loved one.Jackson, TN: Main Street Books.
  • Hipple, E. (2008). Real men do cry: A quarterback’s inspiring story of tackling depression and surviving suicide loss.Naples, FL: Quality of Life.
  • Linn-Gust, M. (2001). Do they have bad days in heaven?: Surviving the suicide loss of a sibling.Albuquerque: Chellehead Works.
  • Linn-Gust, M., & Cerel, J. (2011). Seeking hope: Stories of the suicide bereaved.Albequerque: Cellehead Works.
  • Myers, M. F., & Fine, C. (2006). Touched by suicide: Hope and healing after loss.New York: Penguin.
  • Page, P. (2006). Shadows on a nameless beach.Pascadero, CA: Pigeon Point Press.
  • Rubel, B. (1999). But I didn’t say goodbye: For parents and professionals helping child suivide survivors.Kendall Park, New Jersey: Griefwork Center.
  • Spexarth, K. (2016). Passing Reflections Vol. 3: Surviving Suicide Loss Through Mindfulness. San Francisco, CA: Big Think Media.

Books for survivors of a suicide attempt:

  • Heckler, R. A. (1994). Waking up, alive. New York: Grosset/Putnam.
  • Hines, K., & Reidenberg, D. J. (2013). Cracked, not broken: Surviving and thriving after a suicide attempt.Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
  • Wise, T. L. (2003). Waking up: Deciding to die, chosing to live.Weston, FL: Premier Education Solutions.
  • Wise, T. L. (2012). Waking up: Climbing through the darkness.The Missing Peace.

Books about grief:

  • Wolfelt, A. (2009). Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart. Fort Collins, CO: Companion Press.

Online Resources List

  • The Dougy Center
    This resource offers support for grieving children and families including specific information and support for people bereaved by suicide. They have some great information about how to help children through the grieving process and what to expect from children who are grieving at different developmental stages.
  • Managing Grief While in College
    This guide will provide some insight into how college students may best manage their grief and highlight some of the many resources available to help them cope.
  • Webhealing.com
    This website has resources for people dealing with grief of all kinds. It includes some specific information for those bereaved by suicide including an online chat.
  • Navigating Family Life after a Suicide Attempt
    The piece examines how a suicide attempt impacts the family unit and what help might parents need after their child attempts suicide. It answers questions that parents might have on addressing a suicide attempt with other children and how to be mindful as a child reenters the household.