Robert A. Neimeyer

Robert A. Neimeyer PhD is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Memphis and a popular speaker and writer on the topics of grief and human resilience.

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

I hope the human stories and reflections in the broadcast add to the beginnings this chat represents. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

For professionals on the line, Jordan & MacIntosh's Grief after Suicide is a terrif resource. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

My simple beliefs needed a deep revision to be adequate to the randomness of life. I learned the reality of impermanence. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Several of you are speaking about not only post-traumatic stress, but also post-traumatic growth. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

One study found that writing about the positive lessons learned through loss was especially healing, but usually years later. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Therapeutic writing can take many forms--a "dump" of raw emotion, perspective taking, problem solving, even gratitude journals. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

We need to be very patient, very compassionate with ourselves... and ask the same of others. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Like Katie, I have witnessed many people who have grown through grief to embrace life... but rarely quickly. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

I find that people avoid talking about suicide loss because of fear--of their own insufficiency, or their suffering it too. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Each of these losses--of parents, partners, children, other family and friends--is different because the relationships differ. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Ah, Deanna. This is a time just to breathe through the experience, and find others who can help you hold it. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

As an adult after my childhood loss, I found great meaning in making a pilgrimage to my childhood home and father's grave. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Oh yes. Life is as rich as it is tragic. Both senses coexist, and joy is possible alongside grief. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

My BD was a week after dad's death. Strangely, we tried to celebrate it. I was very aware of the empty chair at the table. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

It was painful but helpful for me to step into my father's shoes, and imagine how his life and his options looked to him. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

As a child at the time, I felt more scared than guilty. It was overwhelming, and I just didn't understand. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Not much helped at first. No one spoke about dad's death. The most helpful thing was probably the church bringing food. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

For those whose losses were some or many years ago, what changes have you observed in your grief over time? #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

My father ended his life in growing blindness and financial decline 10 days before my 12th birthday. I was oldest of 3 kids. #survivorday

[Robert A. Neimeyer @RANeimeyer]

Every story is different, of course, even if we share common elements in response to this tragic loss. #survivorday