It is never easy sharing our story of loss. Whether we face shame, stigma or judgment from others, the reality is people are not comfortable being around those who grieve. In the Latino culture, I don’t remember hearing my parents or my extended family members talk about death, dying or even cry in front of us. It was as if the subject of loss was taboo. I never saw my father cry when both his parents died nor when my sister died. I was impacted by his show of strength and his ability to move one so quickly. I learned a lot from my father and I did not realize how suppressing my feelings while I was demonstrating to the world that I was strong, would have long term effects later in my life. The death of my sister was devastating and it took me a long time to heal, but it was not until I had a personal experience with suicide, that I understood the challenges and barriers survivors of suicide loss experience.
Why do our families and friends create a distance from us? Why is it when we need the most, they want us to carry on as if nothing happened? How can I convince someone that I cannot handle this pain alone?
Judgments, blame and guilt play a role why we may keep a distance as well from others. What keeps you away or how have you felt when those you need the most have kept their distance from you?
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