HEARTBEAT
Survivors After Suicide

SUICIDE SURVIVOR’S BILL OF RIGHTS

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     I have the right to be free of guilt.

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     I have the right not to feel responsible for the suicide death.

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     I have the right to express my feelings and emotions, even if they do not seem acceptable, as

                long as they do not interfere with the rights of others.

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     I have the right to have my questions answered honestly by authorities and family members.

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     I have the right not to be deceived because others feel they can spare me further grief.

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     I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness.

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     I have the right to peace and dignity.

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     I have the right to positive feelings about the one I lost through suicide regardless of the

                events prior to or at the time of the untimely death.

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     I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged because of the suicide death.

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     I have the right to seek counseling and a support group to enable me to honestly explore my

                feelings to further the acceptance process.

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     I have the right to reach acceptance.

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     I have the right to a new beginning.

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     I have the right to be.

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Survivor’s Bill of Rights has been credited to many authors  since JoAnn C. Mecca, Dayton, Ohio offered this original version  in 1984.                    

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