Life After Suicide

Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss

By: Jennifer Ashton

Narrated by: Jennifer Ashton

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

From the chief medical correspondent of ABC News, an eloquent, heartbreaking, yet hopeful memoir of surviving the suicide of a loved one, examining this dangerous epidemic and offering first-hand knowledge and advice to help family and friends find peace.

Jennifer Ashton, MD, has witnessed firsthand the impact of a loved one’s suicide. When her ex-husband killed himself soon after their divorce, her world - and that of her children - was shattered. Though she held a very public position with one of the world’s largest media companies, she was hesitant to speak about the personal trauma that she and her family experienced following his death. A woman who addresses the public regularly on intimate health topics, she was uncertain of revealing her devastating loss - the most painful thing she’d ever experienced. But with the high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, Dr. Ashton recognized the importance of talking about her experience and the power of giving voice to her grief. She shared her story with her Good Morning America family on air - an honest, heartbreaking revelation that provided comfort and solace to others, like her and her family, who have been left behind.

In Life After Suicide, she opens up completely for the first time, hoping that her experience and words can inspire those faced with the unthinkable to persevere. Part memoir and part comforting guide that incorporates the latest insights from researchers and health professionals, Life After Suicide is both a call to arms against this dangerous, devastating epidemic, and an affecting story of personal grief and loss. In addition, Dr. Ashton includes stories from others who have survived the death of a loved one by their own hand, showing how they survived the unthinkable and demonstrating the vital roles that conversation and community play in recovering from the suicide of a loved one. The end result is a raw and revealing exploration of a subject that’s been taboo for far too long, providing support, information, and comfort for those attempting to make sense of their loss and find a way to heal.

©2019 Jennifer Ashton (P)2019 HarperAudio

A must read for anyone affected by suicide

An absolute must read for anyone who has been wrecked by the loss of a loved one to suicide. This saved me in the weeks after my boyfriend took his life. I needed to be grounded and this did it for me. It didn’t take away the pain but helped me process it.

Perfect

I've always adored Dr. Ashton! This book was exactly what I needed! Thank you

Profound/Powerful /Inspiring and Lifechanging.

Loved it. Interesting because of its greatness and a must read. I lost my father and this book was my realization of my Waiting to Exhale.

Life Saver

My husband died by suicide, and I felt so alone, like nobody understood. I was desperately searching for the slightest bit of hope to grasp onto. Jennifer‘s book was that for me. Each person’s pain and grief is unique, but knowing that others made it through such a horrific event, provided the smallest crack of light in my darkest days. Death and suicide are not things that anybody wants to move through or talk about but I am grateful that Jennifer and others have been able to tell their stories so that we can help survivors heal and hopefully break down the stigma so that more people get help before it’s too late.

Beautifully done.

I’m so grateful that this book was written by Jennifer. My world isn’t quite like yours. But suicide is the same beast that took my husband. Your writing has given me some new things to think about that are healing to my soul.

Thank you so much for this.

Great resource for those dealing with suicide loss

Thanks for sharing your story of remarkable resilience, thanks to those that shared their stories for our benefit! Thanks again!

Well done Jenn

Jenn wrote an amazing story of a tragic event that happened to her and her family. It made me think differently of the reasons people take their own life. My prayer is that people that feel so helpless will find hope and help.

Phenomenal

Since having lost my brother to suicide over four years ago I’ve read almost everything available on the topic. This is the first book which I found to be a truly powerful and extremely well done resource. It’s filled with excellent advice and information. I found it inspiring and it breathed new life into my pursuit through my continued grief towards the light. I wish it had been available 4 years ago. I’m thrilled this quality is available for all survivors out there - new and old. I recommend it to anyone having lost a loved one to suicide.

Bold and honest

I was especially struck with the encounter in chapter 2 as I, too, had one after losing my best friend. I cried so hard, Dr. Jen!!!

life saving

My husband died from suicide 5 months ago and listening to this book was so validating. I am not the only one who feels the feelings and thinks the situational thoughts or has a meltdown over something so simple. Thank you