In this episode we look at the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos which generally occurs on the first couple of days of November. Our special guest, Clara Rosenzweig, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Vecino Health Centers, shares memories of growing up in Mexico. Clara recalls the customs she participated in at that time of year. Dia de los Muertos is steeped in traditions around honoring loved ones who have passed. Altars are constructed and draped in flowers. They are laden with candles, photos, and tokens of those who have died.  As a podcast about mental health, we couldn’t help but reflect on how suicide often complicates the memory of our loved ones. How is honoring our lost loved ones changed by a suicide? Not just for Latin Americans, but for everyone grieving a self-inflicted loss. 

Different than most deaths, suicide leaves family and loved ones with a “unique grief.” This grief is laced with guilt and shame. It is not uncommon for people to lie about the way someone died after a suicide. It can be difficult or shameful to admit what really happened. Additionally, having suicidal thoughts is highly stigmatized. This can often lead individuals to not seek care or share how badly their doing. Of course, not talking about suicidal thoughts is isolating and only enhances suicidal thinking. For more on the dangers of denying how poorly you’re doing, check out our blog, “Denial is Dangerous.