About
My name is Jan McDaniel. I am a writer. I speak grief but also peace and healing. Before I founded Way for Hope, I trained to facilitate Survivors of Suicide (SOS) loss support groups at The Link in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and helped to build the Alliance of Hope for Survivors of Suicide Loss, where I am a forum moderator and content provider. I co-facilitate an SOS group in my local area through Carroll County Mental Health Advocates and GriefShare grief recovery support groups at my church. These connections enable me to share my story of love and return to life after tragedy. I create projects for survivors of traumatic loss, including suicide loss.
My husband and I raised our children on a peaceful little farm in Georgia, where I was a newspaper reporter, writing for print and digital media. After his death, which followed a long struggle with depression, and while teaching English at a local college, I searched for support and found connecting with others who understood my loss made all the difference. I never expected my personal grief journey to lead to writing about suicide for people all over the world, but that is exactly what happened. The greatest tragedy of my life became a hope-filled mission to help others through the devastation that follows significant and traumatic loss. My articles about grief and healing have appeared in The Upper Room, Psych Central's World of Psychology blog, the Alliance of Hope blog, Catholic Charities' LOSS newsletter (the Obelisk), the Institute of Mindfulness and Grief blog, and other publications. Books I have authored include Hope in the Aftermath of Suicide and Lost and Found: Rebuilding Your Life After Loss.
Because the early days of my grief were blessed with both local and online support, I find purpose in reaching out to anyone who is suffering after the loss of a loved one. My message is: It is possible to live a life of happiness and joy while still honoring those we love.
My husband and I raised our children on a peaceful little farm in Georgia, where I was a newspaper reporter, writing for print and digital media. After his death, which followed a long struggle with depression, and while teaching English at a local college, I searched for support and found connecting with others who understood my loss made all the difference. I never expected my personal grief journey to lead to writing about suicide for people all over the world, but that is exactly what happened. The greatest tragedy of my life became a hope-filled mission to help others through the devastation that follows significant and traumatic loss. My articles about grief and healing have appeared in The Upper Room, Psych Central's World of Psychology blog, the Alliance of Hope blog, Catholic Charities' LOSS newsletter (the Obelisk), the Institute of Mindfulness and Grief blog, and other publications. Books I have authored include Hope in the Aftermath of Suicide and Lost and Found: Rebuilding Your Life After Loss.
Because the early days of my grief were blessed with both local and online support, I find purpose in reaching out to anyone who is suffering after the loss of a loved one. My message is: It is possible to live a life of happiness and joy while still honoring those we love.
Sample publications:
