Guided by certified crisis counselor Lisa Sugarman's expert hand, Surviving is an authentic, loving resource for those seeking to understand and heal from losing a loved one to suicide.
Suicide is a growing epidemic, with a staggering rate of 700,000 deaths per year globally. And for every suicide, an average of 135 people are directly impacted. That means that worldwide an estimated 94 million people have lost someone to suicide and are struggling to navigate the aftermath: loss, grief, unanswered questions, and how to move forward. Drawing on her experience as a three-time survivor of suicide loss who has turned her pain into purpose, crisis counselor Lisa Sugarman offers a new resource that is raw, deeply personal, and practical.
Far from a clinical self-help book, Surviving: Finding Hope after Suicide Loss not only invites readers into the intimate and poignant reality of suicide loss but offers tangible tools from Sugarman's comprehensive 18-category mental health resources directory, The HelpHUB™. From managing grief and overcoming mental health challenges to moving forward and rebuilding, this gentle resource is for anyone seeking to understand and heal from losing someone to suicide. It's an essential read for survivors, mental health advocates, and anyone touched by the ripple effects of suicide. Survival is possible, and support is always within reach.
Praise
“Sugarman’s powerful memoir peels back the curtain on the too often untold impacts of surviving suicide loss. . . . I am beyond grateful for this raw and honest work.”
—Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project
“A powerful, human-centered reminder that connection saves lives. . . . A vital resource for military and Veteran communities."
“From my perspective working in suicide prevention across military and Veteran communities, Surviving fills a critical gap. . . . Especially in cultures where strength is often mistaken for silence. It meets people upstream—before crisis peaks—by helping readers recognize their own struggles, feel seen in their pain, and understand that they are not alone.”
—Christopher “CJ” Allen, Veteran Suicide Prevention Advocate, Founder of Find the Next 6,000
“Lisa Sugarman’s perspective is unique. Her ability to shine light on dark, stigmatized, uncomfortable topics is remarkable. She knows the many reasons most people aren’t talking openly about mental health and suicide, so she speaks and writes about it, giving us all access to needed information and insights. Lisa’s exploration on suicide loss is among the deepest, most real and important that I’ve experienced.”
—Terry McGuire, Host of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast and Senior Executive Producer at Recovery.com
“By courageously sharing her story in Surviving, Lisa Sugarman brings us one step closer to breaking the stigma of suicide, which is no small task. Lisa’s perspective provides reassurance and validation for suicide loss survivors who may be struggling with their grief in silence.”
—Kathleen C. Marchi, Chief Executive Officer and President, Samaritans, Inc.
“Lisa Sugarman brings raw honesty and profound compassion to the experience of suicide loss. . . . This book is a powerful companion for anyone touched by suicide and an essential reminder that healing is possible.”
—Darcy H. Lee, Executive Director, Samaritans Southcoast, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Center
“An extraordinary and deeply moving memoir. . . . It encourages open and compassionate conversations about life's tragedies and teaches us to find strength in vulnerability.”
—Albina Galiza, Deputy CEO, Calmerry
“A lifeline, packed with practical tools, resources, and insights. . . . It’s a must-read for anyone touched by loss, proving vulnerability is our greatest strength in healing.”
—Eric Kussin, Mental Health Advocate and Founder of #SameHere Global Mental Health Movement
“This book isn’t just for those who’ve been touched by suicide loss—it’s for anyone searching for hope, purpose, or a way to keep going. . . . It’s a survival manual for navigating life’s hardest moments.”
—Shawn Lesser, Founder of THE REAL, Mental Health Advocate
