Resources for Survivors

I wish I could tell you that there are some sort of magic words or even a resource that could remove the pain of surviving the loss of a loved one to suicide. It is a loss like no other. When we lost Zach, I found that there was also a loss of some friends and other support resources. It wasn't that they did not care or were not also grieving, they just struggled with what to do or say. So there is stigma, trauma, disconnection, for some there is shame, mixed emotions and relentless questions.

First, please know that you are not alone. The hard truth is that the only way to get through the grief is to confront it. There is no timeline. There is no right answer. This is a journey, sometimes a lifelong journey. Sometimes even managing one moment at a time is mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically exhausting. Be gentle with yourself. Lean on others and find a support group. The resources below are just a few of many. We heal together, one step at a time.

The Compassionate Friends

"The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family." There is a free support packet and it is easy to locate a support group. Many group chapters also offer a facebook group for virtual support between meetings.

The Friendship Bench

"The Friendship Bench is a destination where secondary and post-secondary students who are struggling to connect with others, and find it difficult to ask for help, can talk with someone willing to offer an ear to listen with, a shoulder to cry on or just a "hello.""

Survivors Of Suicide

"The purpose of the Survivors Of Suicide web site is to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way." Are you supporting a survivor? They offer some helpful tips here.

A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide

"This is a book for people who have lost a loved one to suicide, written by someone who has suffered the same loss."

AFSP: I've Lost Someone

"You are not alone. Suicide affects millions each year, and thanks to our donors and volunteers–many of whom are loss survivors themselves–we can provide these resources to help you heal."

Understanding Survivors of Suicide Loss

This resource describes who suicide survivors are, why grieving is different and ways to help a survivor - including yourself.

Suicide: Finding Hope

"Grief is an individual process that changes as we travel through it. Most of all, know that somewhere on the journey that hope is waiting for you."

Survivor Outreach Program

"AFSP: Peer Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss"

TAPS

"The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces." TAPS offers a national military survivor 24/7 helpline: Call 800-959-8277

NAMI: Survivors of Suicide Loss

"The shock and pain experienced by friends and family following the suicide of a loved one can seem almost unbearable. It is important for you to know that you are not alone."

For Suicide Attempt Survivors

"Even when our lives appear fine from the outside, locked within can be a world of quiet suffering, leading some to the decision to end their life. At TEDYou, JD Schramm asks us to break the silence surrounding suicide and suicide attempts, and to create much-needed resources to help people who reclaim their life after escaping death. Resources: http://t.co/wsNrY9C"

A place to begin. "Resources for suicide prevention, post-attempt survivors and their families."

Recovering From a Suicide Attempt

This offers information about moving ahead and next steps for survivors of a suicide attempt.

With Help Comes Hope

"Support for persons living with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts."

AFSP: Resources For Loss Survivors by Need

"If you have lost a loved one to suicide, or your school or community are struggling to cope with a suicide loss, here are some resources that can help. These resources are designed to help survivors of suicide loss address their complex practical and emotional needs."

• Children, Teens & Suicide Loss
• After A Suicide: A Toolkit For Schools
• A Manager's Guide To Suicide Postvention in the Workplace
• AFSP: Survivor Day Documentaries
• Sibling Survivors of Suicide Loss
• Legacy Connect: Sibling Survivors of Suicide

Suicide Survivor Articles from The Mighty

"Billions of people are facing serious health conditions — including many of us at The Mighty. It's so easy to feel like we are facing these challenges alone. The truth is, we are all facing disability, disease and mental illness together."