Healthy Healing:
Ways to Cope with Suicide Loss
Ways to Cope with Suicide Loss
THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO FEEL.
You are not alone.
Pain and grief can transform with time.
There are resources and support available to get you through this difficult time.
When your world has been altered by the loss of a loved one to suicide, it can be difficult to imagine anything beyond tremendous grief. If you are a new survivor, you may experience a wide range of emotions. You may feel anxious, angry, or have a tremendous sense of guilt. You may have difficulty eating, sleeping, or functioning in your daily life. You may be grieving while caring for children or others who have been impacted by this loss.
You are not alone.
Pain and grief can transform with time.
There are resources and support available to get you through this difficult time.
When your world has been altered by the loss of a loved one to suicide, it can be difficult to imagine anything beyond tremendous grief. If you are a new survivor, you may experience a wide range of emotions. You may feel anxious, angry, or have a tremendous sense of guilt. You may have difficulty eating, sleeping, or functioning in your daily life. You may be grieving while caring for children or others who have been impacted by this loss.
- Be Patient: Know that everyone grieves at their own pace.
- Take Care of Yourself: Eat well, sleep, get exercise and fresh air.
- Seek Professional Help: Many people find that counseling helps them deal with grief.
- Learn About Suicide Loss: Knowing what to expect can help you get through tough times.
- Connect with Others: Find comfort by reaching out to others who care about you or may understand your loss.
Have you, or someone you know, recently lost someone to suicide?
To help the survivors of suicide loss in the Flathead County, the “Bluebird Box” initiative was formed. These boxes are a care package filled with blankets, tea, and information regarding support for a suicide loss, a list of survivors willing to talk, support groups in the area, and a list of therapists. The Bluebird Box includes literature on surviving a suicide loss as well as literature for children coping with grief.
At this time we are only able to fulfill requests for those that reside in the Flathead Valley.
GRIEF & LOSS RESOURCES
Tamarack Grief Resource Center
With offices in Missoula, Kalispell, and Browning, TGRC helps individuals and communities navigate grief and loss through counseling, grief camps and retreats, school-based programs, support groups, community workshops, and professional education. |
Eluna Resource Center
The mission of Eluna is to support children and families impacted by grief or addiction. Our innovative resources and programs address the critical needs of children experiencing powerful, overwhelming and often confusing emotions associated with the death of someone close to them or substance abuse in their family. They also have youth "care packages" for purchase. |
The Dougy Center
Dougy Center creates safe spaces and free resources for children and families who are grieving. Their pioneering peer grief support model, professional training, and world-renowned programs and advocacy bring hope and healing around the world. |
American Foundation for Suicide Loss
Living with Suicide Loss: Connect with others who have lost a loved one to suicide, hear how they have navigated their loss, and learn how to support loss survivors. |
SOLAS
Surviving Our Loss After Suicide A peer support group in the Flathead Valley for those affected by suicide. |
Crisis Action Toolkit for Schools
Schools play a critical role in suicide prevention for current students and for future generations of Montanans, who need to know more about the warning signs of suicide and how to take action to save a life.
This Montana CAST-S Toolkit was developed by co-authors Dr. Scott Poland and Dr. Donna Poland in collaboration with Montana OPI, SAM, DPHHS, Montana Association of Pediatric Psychiatrists, and NAMI Montana for the express use by Montana schools. |