A Club No One Wants To Join
During the last week of November 2024, the Mental Health and Wellness Ministry Committee at White Memorial hosted a luncheon and brief program supporting survivors of suicide loss. Sixteen attendees met to share a meal and watch a video from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, entitled “The Journey”.
“Grieving and healing after a suicide death is different from other types of death, in part because of the cultural stigmas that surround suicide.”
Those who attended learned that survivors of suicide loss often experience a unique and complex set of emotions, including grief, guilt, shame, and trauma. The emotional landscape of suicide bereavement can be further complicated by the stigma and social isolation that often surrounds suicide. Survivors may feel hesitant to discuss their loss or seek support, due to fear of judgment, rejection, or being ostracized by others.
Attendees at this first gathering shared these comments:
“You’ve done more than enough. This luncheon means so much! I feel so supported and buoyed by our church.”
“It has been very meaningful to talk with others who understand. Would love to have the opportunity to continue the conversation.”
“This has been interesting and helpful, and I appreciate the committee’s effort to put on this program.”
The White Memorial Presbyterian Church family strives to be a loving, sympathetic friend for our members and their families who have experienced this kind of loss. Specifically, Mental Health and Wellness Ministry is working to:
- Create a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their emotions and stories, free from stigma and shame.
- Provide educational resources and future workshops on suicide bereavement, to help survivors understand their emotions and the complexities of their loss.
- Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health, suicide, and grief, to help reduce stigma and promote a culture of care and support.
- Offer spiritual support and guidance, such as prayer, scripture, or spiritual direction, to help survivors find meaning, comfort, and hope in their faith.
The “club that no one wants to join” can be described as a community of people who have been forever changed by the traumatic experience of losing someone to suicide. Members of this club often feel a sense of camaraderie and understanding with others who have gone through similar experiences, as they share a deep emotional connection and a sense of “getting it” that others may not.
Know that at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, you are a beloved child of God, and we will always offer an understanding and sympathetic ear, especially if you have been touched by a loss of this kind. The Mental Health and Wellness Ministry Committee will continue to provide additional resources and future programs to support you.
If you would like to talk to someone, please contact Health Ministry Coordinator Martha Grove Hipskind to be connected to the appropriate person.