Life After Suicide

Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss

By: Jennifer Ashton

Narrated by: Jennifer Ashton

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, M.D., 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.

Life after Suicide

This book was very helpful. I am a new member of the suicide survival community. This book highlights a lot of feelings I am dealing with privately. Thank you for sharing such a painful and private journey with me/us.

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.

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.