Valerie, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your brother, especially so young and in such a way. Suicide is especially difficult to handle because it's easy for those left behind to feel guilt, even though it's no one's fault. It's easy to say "if I'd only ..." but the reality is - if someone is going to kill themselves, they can find a way regardless of what we do. I lost someone I loved to suicide, and spent years feeling guilty because I MIGHT have been able to help him. And I wasn't able to grieve properly (meaning process the grief) until I finally accepted that I wasn't responsible. When I did that, I found myself moving on, emotionally.
You have a lot of healing to do ahead of you, and your family too. It will be hard. There will be a lot of tears and some times of high emotion between you and the rest of your family. I hope that you can all cope with this traumatic happening, and not feel overwhelming guilt.
Wishing you and your family all the best -
Melanie
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