Suicide: What Really Happens in the Afterlife? [Paperback]

Jon Klimo (Author), Pamela Heath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 2006

This provocative study explores what happens to those who commit suicide. Drawing on communications from the spirits of more than 100 'successful' suicides, it offers an intriguing look at what the dead themselves say about suicide, its repercussions, and their experiences in the afterlife. Bringing together the channeled messages of three types of suicide—traditional suicide, assisted suicide, and the suicide mass murder adopted by terrorists—the book covers a wide range of topics, including why people commit suicide, what it is like to cross over, adjustment problems, what suicides would say to those left behind, and what they would tell others thinking of taking their own lives. Additionally, the book conveys powerful messages from suicide bombers, warning potential terrorists of the serious karmic consequences that await them. For anyone contemplating suicide or euthanasia, the book offers profound, sometimes unsettling, insight into the ramifications of these acts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Klimo and Heath have written one of the most provocative and challenging books on suicide to appear in recent years. Anyone who has been touched by suicide, or anyone who has contemplated survival of bodily death—and who hasn't?—will benefit from this highly original book."
-Larry Dossey, M.D., author of The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things

"In this meticulously documented, fascinating book, Heath and Klimo investigate the tragic nature of suicide and break new ground in exploring one of the most emotional and meaningful issues of our time."
- Dean Radin, Ph.D., author of Entangled Minds and Conscious Universe, and senior scientist at the Institute of Noetic Studies

"Exceptional! There is no other book anywhere that approaches the subject of suicide from 360 degrees as does this book, nor as thoroughly, nor with such a high standard of integrity—and in readable, easy-to-understand fashion."
- P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D., author of seven books on near-death studies, as well as Beyond the Indigo Children: The New Children and the Coming of the Fifth World

From the Author

This book grew out of an experience Dr. Klimo had working with a suicidal client who wanted to know what might happen to her if she killed herself. The idea is to provide a "best guess" of what the channeled/NDE/hypnotherapy material says could happen. It represents about 2 years worth of research, culling massive amounts of material for relevant information and figuring out a way to organize it that made sense. In the end, we spent (literally) thousands of dollars in copyright permission fees to be able to allow readers to see for themselves what has been said and how we came to our conclusions. It is referenced so that if people want to read more they can find the original source,s and do so. However, unlike our other book, this one does not have an index. Two chapters are particularly important to us: "Messages to the Suicidal" (know what you are getting into before you do it) and "Messages to Those Left Behind" (with the hope if can lead to some healing or forgiveness).

The question mark in the title is deliberate. Do we know the answers for sure? No. All we can do is present the range of what is said from those who claim to know and indicate the patterns as they present themselves. Our hope is that this may help shed light on the topic and, just perhaps, help people to make better informed decisions.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books; First Printing edition (June 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556436211
• ISBN-13: 978-1556436215
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.3 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Pamela Rae Heath has an MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and practiced Anesthesiology at a variety of locations before she began having spontaneous psychic experiences. This led to her returning to graduate school for a second doctorate degree (Psy.D.) with a dual specialization in parapsychology and hypnosis. Her dissertation was on mind-matter interaction (also known as psychokinesis).

Dr. Heath is a member of the Parapsychological Association, the Society for Psychical Research, and the Society for Scientific Exploration. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and appeared on a variety of radio and TV shows.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Erudite and helpful, June 30, 2006

By 

Richard Webster (AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suicide: What Really Happens in the Afterlife? (Paperback)

I have read previous books by both Jon Klimo and Pam Heath and was keen to read this one. I was not disappointed. The authors have written a book that is timely and helpful. Suicide is not a topic I would normally choose to read, but this book fascinated me with its answers to questions such as "Why do people kill themselves?" "What do the dead say about suicide?" and "What is the afterlife like?" The information about murder-suicide and suicide bombers makes this book highly topical and relevant. Although this is a book on suicide and the afterlife, it is actually an anti-suicide book, and the chapter called "Messages to the Suicidal" should be read by anyone who has ever contemplated suicide. Highly recommended.

58 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Review from PMH Atwater, L.H.D., Ph.D. (Hon.), July 9, 2006

By 

Cinemind - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suicide: What Really Happens in the Afterlife? (Paperback)

Absolutely exceptional. There is no other book anywhere that approaches the subject of suicide from 360 degrees as does this book, nor as thoroughly, nor with such a high standard of integrity - and - in readable, easy-to-understand fashion. Heath, an M.D., and Klimo, a Ph.D., are both well-experienced and well able to combine research from medical and psychological concerns with deathbed encounters, near-death reports, and a broad spectrum of psychic readings (whether from channelers or mediums) - where the dead speak for themselves. Their range includes young boys who die "accidently" while trying to achieve exotic orgasms, to those in a pact who opt out on a lark, to the depressed, the angry, those who are ill or in great pain, avengers, assisted suicides, different views from history and in other countries; with a large section devoted to murder suicides, suicide bombers, and the cultural mentality which supports this. How they were able to weave into the material voices from those who survived a suicide with "voices" of those who did not, is nothing short of phenomenal. Considering the new rage of pre-teen and teenage suicides, the young egged on by Internet sites that glorify death, this book is a must read. Heath and Klimo are to be congratulated for the dedication it took to produce this rare and incredible study!

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Title should be, "The Opinions of Mediums on the Subject of Suicide". Book is confusing., February 7, 2011

By 

Jay (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suicide: What Really Happens in the Afterlife? (Paperback)

The book probably wouldn't sell with the above title, but that's what it is. After reading it, I honestly don't know what to think about the afterlife for suicides and for people with serious psychological and/or physical problems in general who may not have committed suicide.

Some channeled accounts say they do just fine and are helped, while others say, in general, they don't do well at all. It's very confusing, alternate condemnation, alternate compassion (mixed with blame) for the afflicted.

If this book is supposed to make those on the edge somehow feel better about their lives by shaming them or making them feel guilty, I think it completely misses the mark.

I think it'll only deepen their depression and sense of hopelessness. It may even make them angry. Read on about the "advice" the "spirits" give.

The suspicious thing for me is that the authors by and large chose messages that "channel" ALL of society's biases AGAINST suicide. And although their tone vary from heartless condemnation (bible thumping fire and brimstone) to mild disapproval and sympathy for the afflicted, they all seem to go in the same direction: Suicide is wrong. It's a disruption of God's "plan", whatever that is.

As far as I'm concerned, the phenomenon of suicide points less to the "sin" of the person committing it, than to the cruelty of an uncaring, insensitive world and its creator that drives people to such extremes.

The authors admit that the "messages" can be tainted by the medium's inherent point of view, along with whether the "spirit" in question is giving a true accounting, or simply saying what the medium wants to hear.

They also say the "messages" reflect the time period and the prevailing culture at the time of the communication (ie. messages from the 1800s and earlier don't believe in reincarnation, whereas the more recent messages accept it).

It seems like these "messages" from so called "suicides" are mostly the personal beliefs of mediums that change with the times.

Spiritualism, not surprisingly, is FULL of hucksters. The time period from the late 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, from which quite a few citations are made in the book of mediums who lived then, was one when the movement was at the height of it's popularity, power, and deception.

Houdini, the famous magician, was one who dedicated himself to exposing the many tricks employed by mediums after he tried earnestly to contact his dead mother.

For excellent background on the movement, read The Secret Life of Houdini by William Kalush & Larry Sloman.

Anyway, despite the dubious history of mediums and the validity of their messages, it's too bad none of them in the book "channeled" any truly enlightened messages of absolute, UNCONDITIONAL love and acceptance without judgment or retribution, not just for suicides, but for people who're deeply troubled in general.

One case that stands out for me is of a woman in her 70s who suffered from severe stomach pains and paralysis, AND whose husband abandoned her. Poor, alone, and desperate, she finally decided to end it using gas in 1922.

She was also alone on the other side, that is, until intervention was made from the world of the living. I find this heartbreaking. If anyone had a RIGHT to end their life, I'd think it'd be her, and thereafter find eternal peace. Go figure!

Overall, in many accounts, I was struck by the seeming lack of compassion in the afterlife for people with serious psychological and/or physical problems. Some even condemn doctor assisted suicide. The words "sin" and "crime" are used often, and in one, "stupid" to describe all suicides.

The "spirits" say there's no judgment in the afterlife. Well, the above words certainly sound like judgment to me.

Some accounts even say the deceased are left to work through their problems on their own.

For example, those who have substance addictions, or suffer from depression are especially going to have a difficult time in the hereafter, whether or not they commit suicide. This makes NO sense to me.

IMO, the afterlife should be a place of healing ESPECIALLY for those with serious problems, but the message here is, if you're lost and alone in this world, it'll be the same in the next, at least for a while. Seems like you're doomed either way.

The authors do mention that those who're troubled may "eventually" be helped by spirit guides and loved ones, but not before they wander around for an indeterminate time alone and in the dark, and it's not guaranteed.

AND, this applies to ANY type of sudden death (ie. murder, accident, disease, etc), not just suicide. AND suicide can ALSO include dying by disease like cancer, if it's brought on by one's attitude. So, as you can see, according to the book, MANY people dying will have trouble in the afterlife, not just your "active" suicide cases. Depressing.

If all this is true, it seriously makes me QUESTION the existence of a benevolent and caring God, and His "plan". Actually, in the section about suicide bombers, God is described as being "neutral", or, in my take, "doesn't give a d**n".

Arguments against suicide include such cliches as "life is precious", "life is a gift from God", blah, blah, blah.

Another bit of "sage" advice given to those with problems is, "change your outlook." Wow!

I find these "messages" UNBELIEVABLY, INCREDIBLY idiotic, considering that the suicide and the troubled departed should KNOW INTIMATELY the state of mind of their counterparts here, and that such messages DON'T do a thing to improve quality of life.

The statement "life is precious" doesn't help in the least when you don't have enough money for food or basics, or when you're alone and have a painful, slowly wasting disease. It hasn't stopped at LEAST 1 million people a year from taking their lives worldwide.

It certainly DIDN'T help the dear departed who're now giving this advice, now did it? That is, assuming these "communications" are genuine, and not just the authors views.

These souls, if they are authentic, should offer something more insightful. Of course, their ultimate argument is that your problems will only carry over.

People DON'T want to commit suicide, it's only when they're faced with problems they CAN'T solve, and their faith and confidence in their wellbeing has been shattered, and are left with no hope. Sadly, the "spirits" of the departed in this book have NOTHING practical, compassionate, or wise to offer on this all important issue, aside from the statement "we must take responsibility for our problems, they are tremendous gifts and opportunities."

Oh give me a break! Serious problems quickly become onerous burdens when you can't find solutions. No one finds them "gifts" then. I can see situations where life becomes so hopelessly screwed up that the only feasible thing is to abort, like the woman who gassed herself.

In the conclusion, it states "he who has shortened his life cannot escape the consequences of his want of courageous endurance." So, you people who have serious problems, it's YOUR OWN fault if you don't have the courage to endure and succeed.

It makes me mad to read this garbage, because this is EXACTLY the kind of "advice" that makes matters WORSE, not better. People with serious life issues DON'T need to be lectured about being cowards (they are NOT). They ALREADY feel useless. Why not just hand them a gun and be done with it?

It is precisely this LACK of compassion as exemplified by some of these messages that is at the ROOT of suicide. Read my lips, they need HELP and compassion while they're still alive, the two things they probably NEVER received, and to be given a POSITIVE reason to live. The conclusion,especially, is filled with these types of messages. The authors, being psychologists, should know better than peddle this c**p.

So, if you're trouble free psychologically, emotionally, and physically, count your blessings, you'll probably also have a charmed afterlife, provided you haven't harmed anyone. For everyone else, suicide or not, it just depends.

ANYONE who has ANY psychological baggage is going to have problems in the afterlife, because our personality stays intact.

I don't advocate suicide as a first option for anyone, but for those who've been around, and have serious psychological, financial, or physical problems (often all three) for which they simply CANNOT find any solution, it's morally REPREHENSIBLE to me that they should be condemned for doing so, in whatever life. Painless suicide should be an option available to anyone who has no other.

If the person has tried his/her utmost to find a solution but can't, then they are blameless for choosing to die, IMO.

I'd also like to know why, WHY pain and suffering are so necessary in the first place to learn "lessons". And why do we HAVE to learn such painful lessons? These are important questions that SHOULD'VE been asked in all these "interviews".

I don't buy the garbage about the necessity to "evolve", because the book itself talks about souls who continually make the SAME mistakes over and over. It seems to me that the primary objective of God's "plan" is to inflict as much torture and pain as possible, with "growth" being just a minor footnote.

The real TRAGEDY and injustice is that some souls are thrown in this world with very little or faulty guidance, and burdened with problems that are simply overwhelming, with no meaningful help. Why? No answers.

In the conclusion it says we ALREADY have everything we need to succeed. That REALLY helps! Another in a string of... Read more ›