Grieving any kind of sudden death can leave you feeling overwhelmed and reeling from the loss. Grieving a suicide is especially painful for survivors who are left with questions and guilt. In today’s episode, we are joined by Felisha Dowdy, who shares her personal experience with suicide loss. Felisha talks candidly about how she felt when she lost her mom, what you should and shouldn’t say to a survivor, and strategies she is using to get through the holidays. If you are supporting a loved one coping with grief over the holidays, you’ll want to hear Felisha’s tips.

Episode Highlights:

[2:08] “We are going to jump into the hard stuff.” Felisha tells us about the devastating loss she experienced, and how it forever changed her life.

[3:18] “I was looking up at the clouds thinking ‘this is it.’” We hear how that tragic day unfolded for Felisha. She explains how she felt at the time, and what she feels now, many years later.    

[7:43] Felisha has a frank discussion about what you should and should not say to someone who is grieving a suicide. “I got to a point where if one more person said that to me…” 

[10:55] “I am so angry, and I don’t know what to do with it.” Anger is a common and normal emotion to experience after a loss, but what do you do when it becomes overwhelming?

[14:45] Felisha explains how guilt and grief have impacted her everyday life. 

[18:30] “Stop acting like you get it, because you don’t get it.” With all the stigma and taboo surrounding suicides, it is important for survivors to feel supported.

[20:32] We hear what healing looks like for Felisha, and she shares a touching message for anyone going through a difficult time.

[24:36] Coping with any kind of loss can be difficult, especially when it is sudden. Felisha explains how you can help a survivor process their feelings after a loss.

[26:00] “I didn’t want them to come.” The holidays can be a challenging time for anyone who has lost a loved one. Felisha explains the traditions that help her to enjoy the holidays while still remembering her mom.

Episode Resource:

First Hour Grief