Suicide Prevention

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The suicide of a loved one can have a profound and sometimes devastating impact on those left behind. The bereaved after suicide may encounter high levels of disorientation, guilt, regret, anger, and trauma. These grieving individuals, called "survivors", often struggle with the social stigma of suicide and may also be at risk for higher rates of complicated grief and future suicide ideation or attempts. Surviving the suicide of a loved one is therefore a life-changing experience that requires specialized support.

Resources:

• After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools
  After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools was developed by AFSP and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center to assist schools in the aftermath of a suicide (or other death) in a school community.
• After a Suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services & Other Public Memorial
  SPRC provides a guide to help community and faith leaders who plan memorial observances and provide support for individuals after the loss of a loved one to suicide.
• The American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
  Whether you, a loved one, or a patient has attempted or completed suicide, and are looking for support and information, AAS offers pamphlets, links, and other resources to help you maneuver through this difficult time, and find hope to continue living.
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a partner of OMH that understands the tragedy of suicide loss. AFSP is an asset to the field of helping those impacted by suicide, and provides many valuable resources to promote healing for survivors, attempt survivors, and clinician survivors, as well.
• Bereavement After Suicide: Walking the Journey with Survivors
  A focused overview of the impact of suicide on survivors, and the clinical and support responses that are needed after a suicide occurs.
• Best Practices for Presentations by Suicide Loss and Suicide Attempt Survivors
  Research indicates that particular care needs to be taken when discussing suicide and here, a group of experts within the suicide prevention community offer the following best practices for you to think about prior to sharing your story.
• Children
  Resources for talking to children about a suicide, an extremely challenging for both parents and professionals.
• Samaritans of New York
  Samaritans of New York provide suicide survivors in the New York City area with a safe and supportive environment where they can talk about their thoughts and feelings tied to their loss in the company of other people who have had a similar experience. Their site also offers other resources to aide in the healing process.
• Survivors of Suicide
  A website to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way.

Resources for Attempt Survivors:

• After an Attempt: A Guide for Medical Providers in the Emergency Department Taking Care of Suicide Attempt Survivors
  Provides some quick tips to enhance care in the emergency department for people who have attempted suicide, while also providing information on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patient discharge, and resources about suicide for medical professionals, patients, and their families.
• After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Your Family Member After Treatment in the Emergency Department
  SPRC's 15-page brochure provides family members of those who've attempted suicide with practical information regarding the likely assessment, treatment, and follow-up the family member will receive during and after their visit to the emergency department.
• After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Yourself After Your Treatment in the Emergency Department Fact Sheet
  SPRC's 15-page brochure provides family members of those who've attempted suicide with practical information regarding the likely assessment, treatment, and follow-up the family member will receive during and after their visit to the emergency department.

Bereavement Resources:

Organizations | Professional Reading List