Resources

Colt, G. H. (1991). The Enigma of Suicide.

This encyclopedic volume on suicide is informative and thorough. It may be more helpful for those wanting an academic view of suicide than for those looking for comfort. It includes large sections on history, 'right-to-die' issues, prevention and survivors. (M, S)

Crenshaw, D. A. (1999). Bereavement: Counseling the Grieving Throughout the Life Cycle.

This is a book for the caregivers of those who are mourning. The age of a mourner will influence the type of support that may be most helpful. Different ages have different needs and that is the premise of this helpful book. The book breaks down the tasks of grieving and suggests particular ways to be supportive. This work is intended to aid any caretaker whether family member or professional counselor. (M, S)

Dower, L. (2001). I Will Remember You: What to do When Someone You Love Dies: A Guidebook Through Grief for Teens.

This is a book that is directed to teens but appropriate for all ages. It is written in clear, simple language that can help teens through the grieving process. It guides the adolescent reader through confusing feelings and helps them give words to the emotions they may feel. It includes a number of excellent writing and meditation exercises. The author also talks about grief through history and in other cultures. (M, S, T)

Durkheim, E. (1951). Suicide: A Study on Sociology.

This famous book was written in 1951 by a French sociologist and is still required reading for most serious students of sociology. Durkheim focuses on the social causes of suicide rather than the internal workings of the mind. His work has immense historical value and shows the universal and timeless nature of human frailties. This work is recommended for the serious student of suicide only. (M)

Elliott, H. B., Brad. (1993). Ripples of Suicide.

Harold Elliott is a Baptist minister and the chaplain for a Texas police department. His book has a slightly academic feel to it and includes good historical information. Some readers may find the police angle of his real world work experiences a little difficult to handle. Some of the content is quite graphic. It includes helpful information on dealing with suicidal individuals and notifying families. (M, S)

Etkind, M. (1997). ... Or Not To Be: A Collection of Suicide Notes.

Only a minority of those who commit suicide will leave a note. This book is a compilation of notes from a wide variety of people. They include celebrities and everyday people. They range in time from the 1700s to the present. These are interesting insights that may not be right for everyone. (M, S)

Fine, C. (1997). No Time To Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.

Carla Fine has written about the loss of her husband to suicide. This book particularly addresses the social stigma that is still attached to suicide. Fine was so ashamed by her husband's suicide that she initially told others that his death was due to a heart attack. The author has spoken with many other survivors and passionately communicates their stories and experiences along with helpful information from mental health professionals. (M, S)

Hewett, J. H. (1980). After Suicide.

A recommended and highly readable book. Its practical nature can help readers understand what to expect after a loved one commits suicide and offer options for coping. It includes a very helpful chapter on suicide and faith. It also clarifies many of the misconceptions that we hold about suicide and religion. (M, S)

James, J. W. and Friedman, R. (1998). The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, And Other Losses.

Those who like the idea of following a 'program' for recovery will enjoy this book. The book addresses loses of all types not just those related to suicide. A small downside for some readers may be the books insistence to strict adherence to their program and the offer of what seems like a "cure" for your grief. That being said, the book appears to have a wide following and is used as a springboard for many self-help groups. (M, S)

Jamison, K. R. (1999). Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide.

Kay Redfield Jamison has had her own personal struggle with manic-depressive illness and survived a suicide attempt. As a Johns Hopkins professor of psychiatry she is well equipped to clearly discuss the current epidemic rates of suicide and the myriad of causes. She also reminds us of the preventable nature of this epidemic. The book uses essays on individual suicides to poignantly illustrate the various forces at work in those that commit suicide.
(M, S)

Joiner, Thomas (2007). Why People Die By Suicide.

In the wake of a suicide, the most troubling questions are invariably the most difficult to answer: How could we have known? What could we have done? And always, unremittingly: Why? Written by a clinical psychologist whose own life has been touched by suicide, this book offers the clearest account ever given of why some people choose to die.

Drawing on extensive clinical and epidemiological evidence, as well as personal experience, Thomas Joiner brings a comprehensive understanding to seemingly incomprehensible behavior. Among the many people who have considered, attempted, or died by suicide, he finds three factors that mark those most at risk of death: the feeling of being a burden on loved ones; the sense of isolation; and, chillingly, the learned ability to hurt oneself. Joiner tests his theory against diverse facts taken from clinical anecdotes, history, literature, popular culture, anthropology, epidemiology, genetics, and neurobiology--facts about suicide rates among men and women; white and African-American men; anorexics, athletes, prostitutes, and physicians; members of cults, sports fans, and citizens of nations in crisis.

The result is the most coherent and persuasive explanation ever given of why and how people overcome life's strongest instinct, self-preservation. Joiner's is a work that makes sense of the bewildering array of statistics and stories surrounding suicidal behavior; at the same time, it offers insight, guidance, and essential information to clinicians, scientists, and health practitioners, and to anyone whose life has been affected by suicide. (M)

Book description taken from Amazon

Lester, D. (1993). The Cruelest Death: The Enigma of Adolescent Suicide.

This helpful book gives us a broad overview of the various factors that can contribute to suicide in adolescents. This book is an excellent primer for the mental health professional just beginning to study teen suicide. The book covers theory and research as well as epidemiology and intervention. (M, S)

Merman, A. L. & Jobes, D. A. (1999). Adolescent Suicide: Assessment and Intervention.

This book is published by the American Psychological Association and written with the mental health clinician in mind. The book presents current research findings and provides extensive references and case illustrations. (M)

Chapters include: The epidemiology of adolescent suicide, The theoretical context, The empirical context, Assessment of risk, Treatment, and Prevention and postvention.

The following recommended publications are by

Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
Center for Loss and Life Transition
3735 Broken Bow Road
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
www.centerforloss.com

Healing a Child's Grieving Heart (2001)
Some of the ideas teach about children's unique mourning styles and needs. Others suggest simple activities and "companioning" tips. A compassionate, easy-to-read resource for parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, teachers, volunteers — and a great refresher for professional caregivers. (S)

A Child's View of Grief (2004)
In this informative, easy -to-read booklet, Dr. Wolfelt explains how children and adolescents grieve after someone loved dies and offers helping guidelines for caregiving adults. An excellent, concise resource for parents of grieving kids. (S)

A Teen's View of Grief (2010)
Written by and featuring Dr. Wolfelt, this 40-minute video on teen grief contains in-depth information and compassionate advice. Throughout, Dr. Wolfelt's teachings are interspersed with comments from actual bereaved teens. (S)

Understanding Your Grief: Touchstones for Hope and Healing (2004)
One of North America's leading grief educators, Dr. Alan Wolfelt has written many books about healing in grief. This book is his most comprehensive, covering the essential lessons that mourners have taught him in his three decades of working with the bereaved. (S)

Bloomfield, Harold H., Colgrove, Melba and McWilliams, Peter. (1993). How to Survive the Loss of a Love

One of the most directly helpful books on the subject of loss ever written, the first edition of this comforting and inspiring book, published in 1976, sold nearly two million copies. This completely revised and expanded edition encompasses not only the medical and psychological advances in the treatment of loss, but also the authors' own experiences. (S)

Book description taken from Amazon

Bolton, I. and Mitchell, C. (1983). My Son ... My Son ... A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide.

As its title indicates, this book may hold special meaning for those searching for healing after the loss of a son. The author's hopeful message is just as helpful to those who have lost a daughter or brother. This is a simple and comforting book from a mother with firsthand knowledge. (S)

Cobain, Beverly and Larch, Jean (2007) Dying to be Free: A Healing guide for Families after a Suicide

This book is highly recommended by survivors who have read it. They state that it is one of the best they have read in helping them to get through the grieving process. (S)

Colt, G. H. (1991). The Enigma of Suicide.

This encyclopedic volume on suicide is informative and thorough. It may be more helpful for those wanting an academic view of suicide than for those looking for comfort. It includes large sections on history, 'right-to-die' issues, prevention and survivors. (M, S)

Crenshaw, D. A. (1999). Bereavement: Counseling the Grieving Throughout the Life Cycle.

This is a book for the caregivers of those who are mourning. The age of a mourner will influence the type of support that may be most helpful. Different ages have different needs and that is the premise of this helpful book. The book breaks down the tasks of grieving and suggests particular ways to be supportive. This work is intended to aid any caretaker whether family member or professional counselor. (M, S)

Dower, L. (2001). I Will Remember You: What to do When Someone You Love Dies: A Guidebook Through Grief for Teens.

This is a book that is directed to teens but appropriate for all ages. It is written in clear, simple language that can help teens through the grieving process. It guides the adolescent reader through confusing feelings and helps them give words to the emotions they may feel. It includes a number of excellent writing and meditation exercises. The author also talks about grief through history and in other cultures. (M, S, T)

Elliott, H. B., Brad. (1993). Ripples of Suicide.

Harold Elliott is a Baptist minister and the chaplain for a Texas police department. His book has a slightly academic feel to it and includes good historical information. Some readers may find the police angle of his real world work experiences a little difficult to handle. Some of the content is quite graphic. It includes helpful information on dealing with suicidal individuals and notifying families. (M, S)

Etkind, M. (1997). ... Or Not To Be: A Collection of Suicide Notes.

Only a minority of those who commit suicide will leave a note. This book is a compilation of notes from a wide variety of people. They include celebrities and everyday people. They range in time from the 1700s to the present. These are interesting insights that may not be right for everyone. (M, S)

Fine, C. (1997). No Time To Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.

Carla Fine has written about the loss of her husband to suicide. This book particularly addresses the social stigma that is still attached to suicide. Fine was so ashamed by her husband's suicide that she initially told others that his death was due to a heart attack. The author has spoken with many other survivors and passionately communicates their stories and experiences along with helpful information from mental health professionals. (M, S)

Fumia, M. (1992). Safe Passage: Words to Help the Grieving Hold Fast and Let Go.

This is a simple book of mediations written by a women who experienced the loss of her infant son. The meditations are progressive, that is the author follows the grieving process itself. The initial mediations are meant to deal with the "harsh beginnings" of unexpected loss. As the meditations continue, they focus increasingly on the process of recovery. (S)

Grollman, E. A. and Malikow, M. (1999). Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide: Or Even Starts Thinking About It.

In addition to addressing issues about suicide this book also discusses how to deal with others who may be suicidal. It has chapters on the stages of grief, common misconceptions about suicide, coping skills, helping suicidal individuals and religious issues. This book is the collaborative work of a pastoral counselor and a grief counselor. (S, T)

Guinan, John and Smolin, Ann (1993). Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One

Too often people suffering the aftermath of a suicide suffer alone. As the survivor of a person who has ended his or her own life, you are left a painful legacy -- and not one that you chose. Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One will help you take the first steps toward healing. While each individual becomes a suicide survivor in his or her own way, there are predictable phases of pain that most survivors experience sooner or later, from the grief and depression of mourning to guilt, rage, and despair over what you have lost.

You may be torturing yourself with repetitive questions such as "What if...?" "Why didn't we...?" and "Why, why, why?" Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One will steer you away from this all-too-common tendency to blame yourself and will put you on the path to healing and recovery. Remember, your wounds can heal and you can recover. Filled with case studies, excellent information, valuable advice, and a completely up-to-date reading list and directory of suicide support groups nationwide, this valuable book will give you the strength and hope to go on living. (S)

Book description taken from Amazon

Harris, M. (1996). The Loss That is Forever: The Lifelong Impact of the Early Death of a Mother or Father.

This book addresses the issues that can face an adult who experiences the loss of a parent early in life . This is not a work that is specific to suicide but still may be quite comforting to the adult who lost a parent at a young age. Written by clinical psychologist. (S)

Hewett, J. H. (1980). After Suicide.

A recommended and highly readable book. Its practical nature can help readers understand what to expect after a loved one commits suicide and offer options for coping. It includes a very helpful chapter on suicide and faith. It also clarifies many of the misconceptions that we hold about suicide and religion. (M, S)

James, J. W. and Friedman, R. (1998). The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, And Other Losses.

Those who like the idea of following a 'program' for recovery will enjoy this book. The book addresses loses of all types not just those related to suicide. A small downside for some readers may be the books insistence to strict adherence to their program and the offer of what seems like a "cure" for your grief. That being said, the book appears to have a wide following and is used as a springboard for many self-help groups. (M, S)

Jamison, K. R. (1999). Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide.

Kay Redfield Jamison has had her own personal struggle with manic-depressive illness and survived a suicide attempt. As a Johns Hopkins professor of psychiatry she is well equipped to clearly discuss the current epidemic rates of suicide and the myriad of causes. She also reminds us of the preventable nature of this epidemic. The book uses essays on individual suicides to poignantly illustrate the various forces at work in those that commit suicide.
(M, S)

Lester, D. (1993). The Cruelest Death: The Enigma of Adolescent Suicide.

This helpful book gives us a broad overview of the various factors that can contribute to suicide in adolescents. This book is an excellent primer for the mental health professional just beginning to study teen suicide. The book covers theory and research as well as epidemiology and intervention. (M, S)

McCormack, Jerusha Hull. (2006). Grieving: A Beginner's Guide

Working from the theory that "it takes one to know one," McCormack—widowed while her children were still young—writes a clear-eyed account of the many emotions and situations a grieving person may encounter. By her own admission, this book is "less a consolatory piece than a tour guide," and what a guide it is. An Anglican layperson and visiting professor at Beijing University, McCormack writes straight from the heart in simple language infused with a spirituality that is never preachy or pushy. She covers so much ground in such a little book that the reader could devour it quickly in hours or spend weeks reading it slowly, savoring each bit of wisdom. People suffering from loss will especially appreciate the counterpoint she provides to all the well-meaning but insensitive "churchy" things Christians tend to say to people who are grieving ("it's God's will," or "it's all for the best"). But more importantly, McCormack includes a chapter of "Guidelines for Spirit Guardians," offering advice to those who accompany grieving people so they can be fully present and helpful. Anyone who is grieving or anyone who knows a grieving person will find hope and support in this small book. (S)

Editorial review taken from Amazon

Robinson, R. (1989). Survivors of Suicide.

Originally published in 1989, this book was revised in 2001 and contains additional information on teen suicide. The book also reviews such areas as common suicide myths, depression, historical and religious perspectives and includes a resource directory. (S)

Dower, L. (2001). I Will Remember You: What to do When Someone You Love Dies: A Guidebook Through Grief for Teens.

This is a book that is directed to teens but appropriate for all ages. It is written in clear, simple language that can help teens through the grieving process. It guides the adolescent reader through confusing feelings and helps them give words to the emotions they may feel. It includes a number of excellent writing and meditation exercises. The author also talks about grief through history and in other cultures. (M, S, T)

Grollman, E. A. and Malikow, M. (1999). Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide: Or Even Starts Thinking About It.

In addition to addressing issues about suicide this book also discusses how to deal with others who may be suicidal. It has chapters on the stages of grief, common misconceptions about suicide, coping skills, helping suicidal individuals and religious issues. This book is the collaborative work of a pastoral counselor and a grief counselor. (S, T)