DEAR ABBY: My adult son committed suicide. He was an alcoholic with many problems. Every year around the time of his death I become very depressed and emotional. Is this normal? Members of my family think I should "get over it." -- EMOTIONAL MOM IN THE SOUTHWEST
DEAR EMOTIONAL MOM: The members of your family are mistaken. Your feelings are perfectly normal.
The problem of suicide in America is no secret. It has been in the headlines repeatedly, and more than 30,000 people take their lives annually. Because of the shame and stigma that are unfortunately still attached to suicide, many people are left to suffer in silence.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), more than 80 percent of us will lose someone to suicide at some point during our lives. This is why the organization sponsors National Survivors of Suicide Day every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. (This year it's November 20.) It's a day when surviving parents, children, siblings, spouses and friends gather at locations from Nashville to Nepal and take comfort in being with others who know what it means to lose a loved one to suicide.
Readers, to find out more information, visit the foundation's website at � HYPERLINK "http://www.AFSP.org" ��www.AFSP.org�. It lists many excellent resources including a book I especially like titled, "Why Suicide?" by Eric Marcus. Published by Harper One, it's compassionate, informative, heartfelt and a must-read for anyone whose life has been touched by suicide.