How To Gain Support After a Loss From Overdose or Suicide

Oftentimes when an individual loses a loved one from suicide or overdose there are mixed thoughts and feelings. They may have feelings of anger or resentment towards their lost loved one and, at other times, they may simply question what went wrong. There could be times when an individual doesn’t feel comfortable talking about the loss at all due to the stigma surrounding suicide and overdose. All of these are normal responses to grief.

In this post, we’ll introduce a new suicide and overdose support group, highlight who may benefit from joining this support group, and provide a sneak peek into the topics the group will explore.

What is the Family Support Group?

The Family Support Group is a support group for family members and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide or overdose. This group is an open, in-person support group, provided at no-cost, and designed to offer support for those who have lost a loved one. The Family Support Group is partnered through the Vinson Foundation and led by mental health professionals from Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare.

Who would benefit?

This group is for you if you have lost a friend or family member to suicide or overdose, if you have lost someone you know to suicide or overdose, or if you are having a difficult time coping with the loss of someone from the community who passed from suicide or overdose.

Note: This group is open to anyone that has been affected by suicide or overdose – no matter the relationship.

What will be discussed?

While mental health professionals will facilitate the group, the meetings will primarily focus on the topics determined by the members. Some of the core topics will include: coping with the loss of someone from suicide or overdose, identifying how the loss has brought challenges into other relationships including trust or fear, talking openly about the loss, and discussing how other group members continue to celebrate their loved one.

---

We know it can be hard talking about suicide and overdose, which is why we hope you will join us to start the conversation. For more details, please reach out to Kayla Woodle at kwoodle@spbh.org.