1. I have the right to be free of guilt.
2. I have the right not to feel responsible for the suicide death.
3. I have the right to express my feelings and emotions, even if they do not seem acceptable, as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others.
4. I have the right to have my questions answered honestly by authorities and family members.
5. I have the right not to be deceived because others feel they can spare me further grief.
6. I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness.
7. I have a right to peace and dignity.
8. I have the right to positive feelings about the one I lost through suicide, regardless of the events prior to or at the time of the death.
9. I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged because of the suicide death.
10. I have the right to seek counseling and a support group to enable me to honestly explore my feelings to further the acceptance process.
11. I have the right to reach acceptance.
12. I have the right to a new beginning.
13. I have the right to be.

by JoAnn C. Mecca