Those left in the wake of a suicide loss sometimes aren’t sure where to turn or what to do. Uprooted by shock and overcome by the grief of losing someone to suicide can feel painful and isolating. Recognizing National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, HopeWest aims to shed light on this topic by breaking the silence surrounding suicide and sharing resources for those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide.
Talking about suicide as a public health issue that affects all of us, allows us to do our part in prevention, and make sure no one feels like they have to face this tragedy alone. HopeWest is here to support survivors of suicide loss, providing guidance, tools, and resources to ultimately help them find healing, connection, and a way forward.
Impacted most significantly by the loss are the people closest to the person who died, such as family, friends, classmates and co-workers. But the ripple continues throughout the community, reaching first-responders, colleagues, and sometimes even affecting people who never personally knew the individual.
The stigma surrounding suicide deaths, particularly on the Western Slope of Colorado, often hinders individuals from seeking the support they need. To address this crisis in our communities, we must not only bring awareness to suicide prevention but also collectively understand and acknowledge the challenges that survivors of suicide loss face.
“Grief after the loss of a loved one to suicide is a unique and painful experience. Survivors struggle with a range of challenges, from the heavy weight of stigma surrounding the death, to judgment from others,” said Judy Eskelson, HopeWest Meeker Bereavement Counselor. “And for many in our community, they may not fully understand the ins and outs of this type of grief. Life after this kind of death can be overwhelmingly difficult, leaving families to navigate a path they never expected to walk.”
Following the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide, the HopeWest bereavement team is here to walk alongside individuals and families needing a source of comfort and guidance through their grief journey. Grief counseling from HopeWest can help survivors realize they are not alone in their pain. Survivors of loss can come to terms with the difficult nature of their grief with compassion and support, an important component of the healing process. This can be accomplished through peer support or individual counseling for adults, teens, and children.
For more information about HopeWest Meeker counseling options and grief support, please call 970-878-9383 or email AdultBereavement@HopeWestCO.org.
To those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, our message is clear: Talk! Reach out to someone you trust and remember that help is available. In moments of crisis, you can call 988 or text TALK to 741741. Resources and support from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be also found at afsp.org.
For those who want to support someone in crisis, we urge you to be there, to listen without judgment, and to encourage them to seek professional help. Your support can make a significant difference in someone’s life.