Contents

Resources

Supporting Survivors

Family members and loved ones who have experienced a loss to suicide (survivors) commonly experience overwhelming feelings of despair, confusion, shame, guilt, hopelessness, and isolation. Anger towards formal institutions and systems of care (e.g. mental health, hospital, school) may be especially intense, especially if family members believe that their loved one was not well-served by the helping system.

A new booklet, entitled Hope and Healing, which has recently been published by the BC Ministry of Health in partnership with the Centre for Applied Research in Mental health and Addictions (CARMHA) offers practical suggestions to survivors and those who care about them.

Initiated by survivors of suicide in British Columbia, the Survivor Advocate Listserve is for people ("suicide survivors") who have been affected by the suicide of family member, friend or colleague and who are now involved in Suicide Prevention in some way. The purpose of the group is to network and share ideas for a common cause. Professionals working in partnership with suicide survivors in Suicide Prevention are also welcome to join. The group is primarily Canadian, but others are welcome to participate.
To join the Survivor Advocate Listserve, send an email to:
SurvivorAdvocates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Note: This group is NOT a bereavement support group. A list of Survivor Support Groups is located at http://www.suicideprevention.ca/ or contact your local Mental Health Centre.