I am spending today with several dozen survivors at a gathering sponsored by the southeast Florida chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. On each table are programs for the event, LifeSavers candy and packets of Kleenex. I want to share with you what I experience here today. I have never been to this annual event before. I am told it will change my life. I believe them.

I found this in the folder on my table.

Survivors Bill of Rights
I have the right to be free of guilt.
I have the right not to feel reponsible for the suicide death.
I have the right to express my feelings and emotions, even if they do not seem acceptable, as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others.
I have the right to have my questions answered honestly by authorities and family members.
I have the right not to be deceived because others feel they can spare me further grief.
I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness.
I have the right to peace and dignity.
I have the right to positive feelings about the one I lost through suicide, regardless of events prior to or at the time of the untimely death.
I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged because of the suicide death.
I have the right to seek counseling and support groups to enable me to explore my feelings honestly to further the acceptance process.
I have the right to reach acceptance.
I have the right to a new beginning.
I have the right to be.

From JoAnn Mecca’s Center for Inner Growth and Wholeness

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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (November 21, 2009)

From Psych Central's Christine Stapleton:
uberVU - social comments (November 21, 2009)

    Last reviewed: 21 Nov 2009