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Because of the traumatic nature of suicide, certain dates such as anniversaries, holidays, and birthdays take on greater significance for the survivor, observe Karen Dunne-Maxim, Edward Dunne, and Marilyn Hauser in Suicide and Its Aftermath: Understanding and Counseling the Suicide Survivor. “We have seen many families who dread the approach of these occasions as unwanted reminders of their pain. It is our belief that holidays and birthdays should be observed recognizing the loss but using new family rituals which promote both celebration and healing.
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