A Survivor of Suicide Story
The weeks after losing a loved one to suicide can bring feelings of detachment. That was the case for one participant from our Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support group; she knew she didn’t want to grieve alone.
Looking for Support After Loss
After the unexpected loss of her brother, she wanted to find a community as soon as possible.
She opened Google and searched for support. That search led her to the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, where she signed up for our Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support group.
She didn’t have to wait long before learning that a new group would be starting. Shortly afterward, she received a phone call with more information.
That first conversation stood out because the woman helping her get started shared that she had also lost her brother to suicide.
“It was the first moment since losing my brother, hearing someone’s story of loss to suicide right from them,” she said. “It was personal, and it was the first moment that reminded me that others have lived this.”
That call made one thing clear: the people at the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas understood this kind of loss because many had lived it themselves.
Walking Into the First Grief Support Meeting
Attending the first meeting wasn’t easy.
She was about a month into grieving her brother’s death and still felt emotionally overwhelmed. Walking into a room of strangers meant talking about one of the most painful experiences of her life.
It is one of the reasons why many people hesitate before joining a support group. Opening up after a suicide loss can feel intimidating, especially when the grief after suicide is still raw.
But even with those feelings, she decided to go.
Finding People Who Understand Suicide
The group was led by Charlie.
She describes him as kind, compassionate, open, and someone who led with grace.
“The space we were all given to speak and feel what we needed was so cathartic,” she shared.
The meetings gave participants the space to speak openly and experience their grief after suicide without judgment. Charlie also shared his own story, offering hope that it is possible to continue living a meaningful life while carrying profound grief.
Meet Charlie:
A Community That Continued Beyond the Meetings
Looking back, she says the support group changed her life.
“The group changed me,” she said. “I am so glad I did that simple Google search.”
While she can’t know where life would have taken her otherwise, she believes the SOS support group played a significant role in her healing.
The weekly meetings eventually ended, but the relationships didn’t. “Our continued meetings, support, and friendship are a constant reminder that I am not alone,” she said. “It’s a constant reminder that community and support carry us all through the harshest points of life.”
Forever Grateful for Grief Healing
Gratitude is the word she returns to most often.
“Gratitude doesn’t seem like a big enough word for how I feel towards the Suicide and Crisis Center,” she said. “They gave me something that can’t be measured. For that, I will just have to say, I am forever grateful.”
The first step can feel like the hardest one. The Crisis Center of North Texas is here for support.
Learn more about the support groups and Charlie’s story.