Finding Strength Through Helping Others After Loss

In 2011, at the age of 25, Dang An’s brother Thuan died by suicide. After the initial shock and grief, An and her family decided to openly share their story with their community, speaking candidly about Thuan's death by suicide. Their openness brought an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and colleagues, and they were soon invited to join a community-based suicide prevention group. An attended her first Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group meeting later that year, which marked the beginning of her journey toward healing.

An found solace and purpose in becoming an active volunteer with a local suicide prevention organization. Over time, she took on more responsibility, facilitating support group meetings and becoming a mentor for newly bereaved families. She also participated in numerous public awareness campaigns, including hosting an annual candlelight vigil for suicide prevention and coordinating community events during National Suicide Prevention Month.

“Grieving after losing someone to suicide is an individual experience. For me, I found that helping others navigate the same difficult path brought comfort and purpose to my own pain. It became a way to honor Thuan’s memory,” An says.

An’s role as a volunteer gave her the opportunity to work on projects that brought healing not just to herself, but to others as well. She has spoken at schools, churches, and community centers, sharing her family’s experience and educating others about the importance of mental health awareness.

In addition to her public advocacy work, An became involved in programs specifically designed to support families who have experienced suicide loss. She felt a deep connection to this work, as mental health issues were rarely discussed openly within her own culture growing up. “Breaking the silence in our community has been so important. Having conversations in Vietnamese and connecting with people from my cultural background felt like I was finally addressing a part of myself that I hadn’t fully processed,” An shares.

An's healing journey continues as she finds strength in the relationships she’s built with other survivors of suicide loss. She reflects, “We don’t ‘get over’ a loss like this, but we do learn how to carry it differently. Through helping others, I’ve found my own healing. It’s something Thuan has given me – a way to keep his spirit alive, by making a difference in the lives of others.”

Today, An continues to be a leader in suicide prevention efforts, supporting families and raising awareness about mental health in underserved communities. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the deepest grief, there is a way forward through compassion, connection, and hope.