Jennifer Ashton. M.D.

Though she held a very public position with one of the world’s largest media companies, she was hesitant to speak about the personal trauma that she and her family experienced following his death.

A woman who addresses the public regularly on intimate health topics, she was uncertain of revealing her devastating loss—the most painful thing she’d ever experienced. But with the high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, Dr. Ashton recognized the importance of talking about her experience and the power of giving voice to her grief.

She shared her story with her Good Morning America family on air—an honest, heartbreaking revelation that provided comfort and solace to others, like her and her family, who have been left behind.

In LIFE AFTER SUICIDE: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss, Dr. Ashton, hoping that her experience and words can inspire those faced with the unthinkable to persevere.

She offers a guide to helping others cope with the tragedy of suicide with the latest insights from health professionals, LIFE AFTER SUICIDE is both a call to arms against this dangerous, devastating epidemic and an affecting story of personal grief and loss.

Dr. Ashton includes interviews with and stories from others who have survived the death of a loved one by their own hand, showing how they survived the unthinkable and demonstrating the vital roles that conversation and community play in recovering from the suicide of a loved one.

The end result is a raw and revealing exploration of a subject that’s been taboo for far too long, providing support, information, and comfort for those attempting to make sense of their loss and find a way to heal.

Staggering facts about suicide:

· Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

· In one year there were an estimated 1,300,000 suicide attempts and 47,173 Americans died by suicide. That’s an average of 129 suicides per day.

· Men died by suicide 3.54 x more often than women.

· The rate of suicide is highest in middle age — white men in particular.

· Suicide and self-injury cost the U.S. $69 billion annually.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton is the Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News, and a privately-practicing ob-gyn. A known and beloved expert in medical health and specifically women’s health, she is a published author, educator, and popular television presence.

She offers support, advice, and tears as those left behind make sense of their loss.

LIFE AFTER SUICIDE creates an open forum in which to explain what it means to heal – and what it ultimately requires to do so.