If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned that someone you care about is suicidal, text “START” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
In December, 2012, I lost my 19-year-old stepson to suicide. To say it was devastating is an understatement. This loss shook every aspect of my being and my life. But, as a wise woman said to me in that first disorienting year after Henry died, “Your burden won’t get lighter, but your shoulders will get stronger.”
Today, my husband and I are trained suicide bereavement support facilitators. That means we organize and facilitate a monthly peer-to-peer support group for suicide loss survivors and pay one-on-one visits to individuals who have experienced a recent suicide loss.
We actively support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the JED Foundation, as well as other mental health causes.
If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned that someone you care about is suicidal, text “START” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you or someone you care about has experienced a recent suicide loss, here are some resources I recommend:
AFSP
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a variety of post-vention services.
AFSP Survivors page
Request a peer visit
Support Groups
Find a support group
Alliance for Hope Online Support Group
Support for Children
Comfort Zone Camp
Bereavement camp for children and young adults (up to age 26) offers several weekend retreats across the U.S. for children who have lost a sibling or parent/caregiver. They occasionally offer one-day workshops and programs specifically geared to families with suicide loss.
Camp Kita
We learned about this bereavement camp for children through another loss survivor.
Books
Touched By Suicide: Hope and Healing After Loss by Michael F. Myers, M.D. and Carla Fine. Gotham Books, 2006.
The ultimate guide for survivors of suicide loss. Includes extensive resources.
Articles
“The Urge to End It – Understanding Suicide” by Scott Anderson. New York Times Magazine, July 6, 2008.
In this Times Magazine cover story the author interviews survivors of failed suicide attempts to understand the motivations and mindset of suicidal people and possible prevention options.
“Why Suicide Has Become Epidemic and What We Can Do to Help” by Tony Dokoupil. Newsweek, May 23, 2013.
Some unconventional research on the drive to suicide.
And an article I wrote that went viral:
Campus Suicide: A Mother Responds