Urgent: Suicide Workshops Aid Grieving Families, Share Hope

UPDATE: Suicide workshops in Cork are transforming the lives of families grappling with loss, just in time for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Mary Casey, who discovered years later that her father, Richard, died by suicide instead of a heart attack, is now sharing her story to highlight the critical importance of mental health awareness and support systems.

During a family gathering, Mary learned the shocking truth about her father’s death—a revelation that shattered her world. “I felt like the ground had opened up and swallowed me,” she recalled, reflecting on her profound grief that persisted for decades. With the guidance of psychotherapists Brendan and Eileen O’Brien, Mary has found solace in workshops aimed at helping those affected by suicide.

These workshops utilize the family constellation method, which uncovers hidden dynamics within family systems, a technique initially developed by Bert Hellinger. Mary emphasized the need for open conversations about suicide, stating, “Every child should be told the truth but in an age-appropriate way.” Her determination to foster understanding comes from her own painful experience growing up in silence.

Meanwhile, Nuala Burke, also from Cork, continues to mourn her son Steve, who died by suicide at the age of 37. “If love could stop this, there would be no suicides,” Nuala expressed. She underscores the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, sharing her belief that it often results from a “perfect storm” of circumstances.

Both women participated in Brendan and Eileen’s workshops, which focus on intergenerational trauma and its role in mental health struggles. “I signed up straight away,” Mary stated about the workshops, which have provided her with a powerful avenue for healing. “It smashed the wall that had shuttered down in front of me after being told about my dad’s death.”

Brendan O’Brien, who has dedicated his career to mental health advocacy following personal losses, highlighted the urgent need for these discussions. “Intergenerational trauma can often play a part in depression and suicide ideation,” he explained. His new book, Understanding Suicide: A New Lens, delves into these themes and the stories of those impacted by suicide.

As families observe World Suicide Prevention Day, the message is clear: open dialogue and support can pave the way for healing. Mary and Nuala’s journeys illustrate the profound impact of addressing suicide openly, making it essential for communities to engage in these conversations—now more than ever.

The workshops led by Brendan and Eileen O’Brien are free and available to those affected by suicide, providing vital resources for families seeking to navigate their grief. Their commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding is crucial in combating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

As the community comes together to remember those lost, it is a reminder that sharing stories can bring hope and healing. Mary now speaks openly about her father, and Nuala continues to honor her son’s memory, advocating for a future where mental health discussions are normalized and supported.

Stay tuned for more updates as families across the globe unite to promote awareness and prevention in the ongoing struggle against suicide.