After a Suicide

When someone you know has died by suicide, there are a range of emotions that are experienced ranging from grief, anger, trauma, and shock. Because of the often sudden and stigmatized nature of suicide, those left behind are often navigating and grieving their loss alone.  It is during these times when connection and support is critical.  We know that suicide loss survivors find individual counseling and suicide support groups to be particularly helpful. If you are seeking counseling, then consider someone with expertise in grief and suicide. 

The Postvention Action Team is comprised of community agencies and their volunteers who lead supportive resources for bereaved families and community members in Marin County. Marin County BHRS contracts with the Felton Institute and Buckelew Programs, both PEI providers, to provide postvention support services for loss survivors and attempt survivors.

Each November, the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Marin County Office of Education, Felton Institute, Buckelew Programs and AFSP host the International Survivor's of Suicide Loss Day.   Date for 2024 event TBA.

Tending to Grief, Growing with Hope

 If you or someone you know is experience grief, loss and bereavement, "Tending to Grief, Growing with Hope: A Discussion on Sudden Loss in Marin County,"  is a recorded video from the Suicide Prevention Collaborative available to provide support and additional resources for youth, adults and older adults in our community.

Attempt survivor
LOSS Team

Felton Institute Local Outreach for Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Team and Support Groups

As a PEI provider, The Felton Institute LOSS Team is a vital service and part of the key framework of postvention in Marin County's Suicide Prevention Strategic plan providing those who have lost someone to suicide with immediate assistance. 

In addition to the LOSS Team, Felton provides:

  •  Support Group for Teens  and Young Adults (13-25 y/o) who are loss survivors
  •  Attempt Survivor Support Group (18+)

 If you have experienced a loss and would like to have contact with a LOSS Team member or sign up as a volunteer for the LOSS Team, or join a support group, contact: Sophia Balestreri, Program Coordinator by email or contact: 415-726-4685.  

Youth Support Group
Buckelew Programs

 

Youth Support Group

Buckelew Programs SOS Allies of Hope Support Group for Loss Survivors and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call Center

As a PEI provider for Marin County,  Buckelew Programs offers:

Contact: Shriya Ambre by email.

988

Additional Resources: Local and Bay Area

  • By the Bay.  Formerly, Hospice by the Bay,  grief counseling and other services are provided for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Contact: 415-927-2273.
  • Compassionate Friends of Marin. This group provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process. Contact: nationaloffice@compassionatefriends.org
  • Josie's Place. Josie's Place offers facilitated peer-support groups to children and teens in the San Francisco Bay Area who are grieving the death of a parent, sibling, close relative or friend.  Contact:   415-513-6343 or email: info@josiesplace.org
  • Pathways.   Pathways serves the San Francisco Bay Area providing grief counseling, support and workshops. Contact: 888-978-1306.
  • Modern Loss. Candid conversation about grief. Beginners welcome.
  • Bay Area Jewish Healing Center: 415-750-4197
  • UCSF Grief, Healing and Bereavement.

Additional Resources: National

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and AFSP Support Group
  • Alliance of Hope
  • American Association of Suicidology
  • JED Foundation (college)
  • Rethink the Conversation. Support for teens impacted by suicide.
  • Suicide.org
  • Survivor's of Suicide
  • SAVE

BOOKS

  • SOS: A Handbook for Survivor's of Suicide