Survivor Voices

A common thread among those who have lost a loved one or friend to suicide is a desire to help and support other survivors and also to prevent future suicides. Recently, Helpline held a two-day training (Saturday, April 28 & Saturday, May 5) designed to teach those bereaved by suicide how to speak safely and effectively about their experience and loss. Diana and Charla participated in the training. Through the sharing of personal stories, they provided insight that goes beyond traditional suicide prevention training. These insights can promote healing for those who are newly bereaved, educate the public about how to support survivors of suicide loss, and increase awareness and understanding of risk factors and warning signs for suicide.
The training prepared each participant to tell their story safely and effectively to various audiences, enhanced their public speaking skills, and gave them the ability to provide education about suicide prevention and resources for other survivors of suicide loss. The process of sharing stories and messages is very personal and intense, and the training encouraged and promoted mutual support and healing among the group. The small group size (minimum of 2, maximum of 8) is intended to allow time for in-depth interaction. The participants were selected through an application/interview process by the Helpline Suicide Prevention staff to ensure they were emotionally ready to tell their story without having a setback in their own healing.
If you would like to hear Diana and Charla tell their stories of loss and healing, please attend our June Surviving After Suicide Support Group meeting at Thursday, June 7th at 7:00 p.m., at the Helpline Center. This will be a one-month-only change from our typical monthly support group dynamic.

If you are interested in participating in our next Survivor Voices training, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 6th and Saturday, October 13th, please let us know!

For more information about this or any other survivor-related topics, please contact:
Jennie Marks Grief Support Coordinator
(605) 274-1416