Everyone’s journey through grief after the loss of a family member to suicide is unique and complex. Until recently, the experiences of sibling suicide loss survivors have been poorly understood. Research shows that individuals who have lost a brother or sister to suicide are at increased risk for complicated grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts. However, many sibling survivors report feeling overlooked by friends and family after a suicide death and do not receive the mental health support that they need.

The loss of one’s twin adds to the complexity healing. When their twin dies, the remaining twin often experiences profound survivors’ guilt. They have problems with other intimate relationships. Birthdays bring on mourning. Those who aren’t twins seem largely unable to appreciate the depth and complexity of twin bereavement, therapists and twins themselves say.

My guest today is Nick Goodwin, a recent graduate from Wheat Ridge High School in May of 2023. He is currently taking a gap year, prior to starting college next fall at CU Boulder. Nick is planning on backpacking through Europe with friends this coming month! Nick is going to be the assistant manager at Applewood Knolls swim and tennis club this summer, and works at a bakery during the winter. Nick’s twin brother, Johnny, passed away February of 2021 by suicide.

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