New Book Helps Raise Awareness on World Suicide Prevention Day for Those Who Are Dealing with Traumatic Loss

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Sep 02, 2010, 07:40 ET

SEATTLE, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 10, 2010, the world recognizes World Suicide Prevention Day. The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) use this day to focus public attention on the unacceptable burden and costs of suicidal behaviors. It is estimated that about one million people die by suicide every year. This is a huge global burden and one that can often be prevented.

For those dealing with the loss brought by suicide, conventional wisdom teaches us to turn away from the pain of loss. Trying to help, people say, "Let it go," and, "Get over it." This reaction to grief is often driven by the fear that we'll be overwhelmed by our feelings. "I learned that avoiding pain is not the way to find release from pain," explains Kristen Spexarth, whose son, Colby, died by suicide on December 31, 2001, at the age of 22. "Passing Reflections is the story of my journey of discovery over the first two years after Colby died."

With so many people dealing with grief and trauma, from families affected by war to all those affected by suicide, feelings of profound loss have become a part of our national psyche. Even so, support for those who are suffering loss can be hard to find.

Spexarth explains: "My intention in sharing these poems is to help trauma survivors see they are not alone and help those who would be of service to survivors begin to fathom what it is to suffer traumatic loss."

These poems, presented in two volumes, are meant to be read as a single narrative. As one prominent reviewer says of the work: "The poems show her growth through the grief, which is both raw and enlightening."

"Most suicidal young people don't really want to die; they just want their pain to end," explains Sue Eastgard, Executive Director of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) in Washington State, past president of the American Association of Suicidology, and recipient of the AAS service award for 2010.

According to the YSPP, about 80 percent of the time, people who kill themselves have given definite signals or talked about suicide. The key to prevention is to know these signs and to not hesitate to raise the subject.

World suicide prevention day is dedicated to preventing suicidal behavior, alleviating its effects, and providing a forum for those affected by suicide.

About Passing Reflections

Passing Reflections is a two-volume work published by Big Think Media, Inc. and is available through Amazon.com and your bookseller. A portion of sales will benefit YSPP. For more information, visit http://www.passingreflections.com.

About Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP)

YSPP's mission is to reduce youth suicide attempts and deaths in Washington State. Working toward that goal, YSPP build public awareness, offer training, and support communities taking action. Visit http://www.yspp.org.