Mom is risk-taking following son’s suicide
DEAR ABBY: My fiancee has a death wish. She recently lost her youngest child to suicide. She’s in a lot of pain and rarely has a good day. She suffers from PTSD and relives the scene daily in her mind.
Abby, I’m worried because she does things that put her in danger, like staying at her son’s grave alone at night for hours. She told me recently she’s planning to go out of state to visit her other son and then spend six days by herself camping and hiking. She also goes jogging alone late at night and leaves her doors unlocked.
She says don’t worry, but I’m terrified that one day something will happen. We’re recently engaged and I care deeply about her and her safety, but I’m helpless to say anything because she just gets mad. I don’t know what to do. Can you maybe help me? — VERY CONCERNED FIANCE IN FLORIDA DEAR FIANCE: Your fiancee is in the throes of grief. If she is the person who discovered her son’s body, she may be numb with shock and not thinking clearly.
It is not unusual for people who have lost a loved one — particularly a child — to wonder if life is still worth living and to engage either consciously or subconsciously in risk-taking behavior. A licensed psychotherapist or a suicide support group could help whatget others throughshe’sher who to doinghave this. recognize experienced Seeingand to who are what furthershe has along and in the grieving process would be helpful.
If she’s resistant to the idea, offer to go with her. The American Federation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org) can help you find resources in your state.
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