Survivor of Suicide Loss Support Group

For some suicide loss survivors, participation in a support group is felt to be their only access to people who they feel can understand them.

The goal of a suicide loss support group is to help loss survivors learn to cope. They do this by listening to others and sharing (if they choose) in a safe space. Most groups listed here are support groups and not therapy groups. The goal of a therapy group is to help loss survivors change and are generally led by a professionally qualified therapist or counselor.

This process can be a lot for someone who just lost a loved one to suicide. For those attending a support group here are some questions to consider asking the facilitator of the group ahead of time:

When and where does the group meet?
Does the group meet in person or virtually?
Is there a cost?
Is the group facilitated by another suicide loss survivor or a mental health professional?
Is registration required before I can attend?
Is this an open group – anyone can drop in anytime – or is this a closed group for a set period of time?
Is a specific topic or agenda followed at each meeting?
Will I be required to speak/share?
Will people be participating in the support group who have lost someone to suicide?

Not all support groups will be helpful to you. Sometimes, the group dynamic becomes unhealthy for one reason or another. Look for the following signs of a healthy support group.

Group members acknowledge that each person’s grief is unique. They respect and accept what members have in common and what is unique to each person.
Group members understand that grief is not a disease but a normal process without a specific timetable or sequential steps.
All group members are encouraged to talk about their grief. However, if some listen without sharing, their preference is respected.
Group members understand the difference between actively listening to what another person is saying and expressing their own thoughts and feelings. They make every effort not to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Group members respect one another’s right to confidentiality. Thoughts, feelings, and experiences shared in the group are not made public or shared with anyone outside the group.
Each group member is allowed equal time to speak; one or two people do not monopolize the group’s time.
Group members don’t give advice to each other unless it’s asked for.
Group members recognize that thoughts and feelings are neither right nor wrong. They listen with empathy to others’ thoughts and feelings without trying to change them.
The group leaders undergo training experiences that help them in their facilitator roles.
The group leaders can provide referrals for additional support when appropriate.
– Excerpt from “Understanding Your Suicide Grief,” by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Companion Press, 2024.