From WOOD COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION
The Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition is dedicated to raising awareness of suicide in the community, conveying that suicide is preventable. Further, the coalition’s efforts are to decrease the stigma of mental health treatment and reduce the barriers for people seeking treatment. The coalition also wishes to support those in our communities who have lost a loved one to suicide.
There will be a Survivors of Suicide Loss In-Person 10-week support group starting Sunday, March 15 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the NAMI Wood County Office, 1250 Ridgewood Drive, Bowling Green. The structured, peer-led support group is designed for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group offers a confidential and supportive environment where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences.
The group further provides opportunities for participants to share their stories and learn healthy ways to cope with grief. All are welcome, including family members, friends, and anyone affected by suicide loss. This is a closed-group model, as new registrants will not be permitted after the first two meetings to ensure supportive and meaningful connections among participants. Registration is required. Visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/form-view/116 to register.
Ongoing suicide loss support group
The coalition also provides ongoing, peer-led support twice per month. The Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group offers a safe, understanding space for those who have lost someone to suicide. This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the NAMI Wood County Office at 1250 Ridgewood Drive, Bowling Green.
The group provides participants with a collaborative space to share experiences, support one another, and find connections and hope through community. The group welcomes anyone affected by suicide loss, regardless of when the loss occurred.
Before attending either or both of the support groups, it is encouraged to check in with yourself and make sure you feel emotionally ready to participate in discussions about loss, specifically suicide. It’s okay to take care of yourself in whatever way you need – your well-being comes first.
The Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition is a community of citizens from diverse backgrounds who are united in their resolve to save lives. They pursue coordinated strategies to educate and increase awareness that suicide is a public health problem, not a private shame. The coalition is committed to increased public understanding of depression, mental illness, and alcohol and drug abuse as treatable health conditions, not as signs of personal weakness. They are enemies of fear, ignorance, and stigma, all of which prevent people from seeking and finding help in times of great personal distress. To learn more about the coalition, visit https://woodcountysuicideprevention.org/.
