The Impact of Suicide: A Personal Reflection
Laura Longville
It’s been 14 years since we lost him. We haven’t seen his ear-to-ear smile, hear his contagious laughter, or felt the warmth of his hugs. So many years since he chose to leave this world, leaving us with a hole in our hearts that no amount of time can fill.
Suicide is a word that carries a weight of its own. It’s a heavy, painful topic that many people avoid, but for those left behind, it’s a constant companion. It’s the elephant in the room, the unspoken fear that lingers in the air.
For us, the impact of his loss has been profound. We’ve experienced waves of grief, anger, and guilt. Sometimes, it’s like we’re drowning in a sea of sorrow or that it happened yesterday. Other days, we’re overwhelmed and dumbfounded that he’s gone.
We often wonder what could have been done differently—if only we had said the right thing or been there for him more. These thoughts can be devastating, and it’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of self-blame.
But we’ve realized that there is no blame to be assigned. Suicide is a complex issue with many contributing factors. It’s a tragedy that affects countless people, and there is no easy answer.
What we do know is that the loss of a loved one to suicide is a journey that never truly ends. It’s a path filled with pain, uncertainty, and a constant longing for what once was. But it’s also a journey of healing, of finding strength in the face of adversity.
As we continue to navigate this difficult terrain, we’ve learned the importance of reaching out for help. Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can provide much-needed support and understanding. We’ve also found solace in honoring his memory in meaningful ways.
Our daughter Carter has found a unique way to honor Donnie’s memory and encourage others. She desires to create awareness around the topic of suicide, to open doors to hard conversations, and to give hope to others.
September, which is Suicide Prevention Month — is a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis. This month is to help shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.
Each year, Carter creates a unique piece of functional art in Donnies’ memory. This year, she created a camo camp mug, a wall hanging, and a memorable hat.
Here’s the back story from Carter on the mug.
“My uncle Connie was an avid outdoorsman, finding joy in the sport of hunting. He would visit twice a year, every year, to hunt with my dad and his brothers.
I wanted to create something to honor him and his love of hunting. I.E. The Camo Camp Mug, plus a Camo hat and deer wall hanging.
I like to imagine Uncle Donnie sitting in the forest, a cigarette in one hand and a camo camp mug in another.
This mug design has been in the works for years. I have spent hours upon hours testing designs, glazes and clays, etc. This year all that hard work has come to fruition.
I know suicide is a hard topic.
It’s uncomfortable,
It’s sad.
It hurts.
But I really believe the more we talk about it, the more we can feel comfortable having those hard conversations. I hope these mugs can be a conversation starter for these tough topics!”
The Camo Camp Mug was created with a purpose: to help raise awareness and advocacy around suicide and suicide prevention.
By choosing to support this cause, you are actively helping raise awareness around suicide and suicide awareness, something that affects countless lives every day. Your purchase of a camo camp mug is more than a transaction; it’s a commitment to spreading hope, breaking down walls of silence, and showing others they are seen, heard, and cared for. I believe that together, we can create a ripple effect that can save lives.
With your purchase of a mug, print, or hat, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations that help promote advocacy and awareness around suicide/suicide prevention.”
All items go on sale October 5th at 10 am. The items will be available to view on her website on Friday, October 4th, 2024. To purchase a mug, hat, or wall hanging, click here. You can visit her social media to view the mug preparation and more. Instagram and Facebook
If you are struggling with the loss of someone to suicide, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Remember, it’s okay to seek support. Together, we can find a way to heal and move forward.
Here are some resources to help:
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
You can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
If you don’t purchase any items from Carter but would like to support suicide prevention and awareness, we encourage you to support your local suicide prevention organization.