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Survivor Support in Idaho

During the Region 2 2006 Memorial Walk, a candle was lit for each person lost to suicide over a 12 month period in a six county area in and near region 2. Thirty candles were lit
Memorial candle

Death is one loss that everyone shares. Even expected deaths, at the end of full productive lives, bring grief to family and friends. We are always reminded of our own mortality and the transient nature of our time on earth.

A suicide death is one of the most difficult to bear. With a single act, every relationship is irreparably affected. Grief is complicated by the feelings of anger, shame and guilt. Everyone is left with the nagging question, WHY? The pain for survivors is complicated. First we mourn the loss of someone we loved. Second, we've experienced a sudden, typically unexpected traumatic death. And third, although the pain of loss demands relief, we may not know how, when or if we should express it. This is because society, friends and even extended family may be uneasy in dealing with suicide and its aftermath.

It has been estimated that each death by suicide leaves behind 6 to 8 people who will be profoundly affected. If we consider roughly 35,000 suicide deaths in the U.S. yearly, then 210,000 to 280,000 individuals experience the trauma of surviving this loss. Suicide survivors are susceptible to depression, failed relationships and divorce, alcohol or prescription drug dependence and even suicide.

Survivors of suicide support groups play a vital role in helping survivors cope with grief and make the choice to find new meaning and direction in life. Such groups provide a safe place where one can share experiences and grief with others who are walking on the same road. Here a survivor finds a caring, accepting environment and can progress at his or her own pace. Many survivors have found a survivors of suicide support group has been a major factor in finding a new way of living in a world forever changed by their loved one's decision.

Suicide survivor groups in Idaho are playing vital roles today in group meetings as outlined above. In addition, facilitators (group leaders) often respond early to families and close friends after suicide and provide invaluable education to caregivers, clergy, schools and the general public regarding suicide. They are committed advocates for suicide prevention.

As suicide survivors, we are grateful for the help and understanding we have received. As survivors we can join with SPAN Idaho in making suicide prevention a viable force in Idaho. There could be no greater memorial to the lives of our loved ones than to prevent a death by suicide.

Suppport Groups

SPAN Idaho is working to provide assistance to survivors of suicide by maintaining a focus on survivors at our annual conference and supporting the creation of support groups across the state.

Below is a list of Survivors of Suicide support groups currently active in Idaho:

Boise Area

Memorial candle
Facilitators: Rich and Trudy Jackson
Where: First United Methodist Church Cathedral of the Rockies
11th and Hays Streets, Boise
Olivet Room - enter through glass doors on 11th St.
When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd Friday of each month

Caldwell Area

Facilitators: Steve and Linda Henley
Where: United Methodist Church
824 E. Logan, Caldwell
When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd Friday of each month

Idaho Falls Area

Facilitators: Roma Hawkins and Sheila Murdock
Where: Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
3100 Channing Way, Idaho Falls
When: 6 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month

Lewiston Area

Facilitators: Maggi Alsager, Linda Mael and Jason Harwick
Where: Wedgewood Terrace
2114 Vineyard Avenue, Lewiston
When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Facilitators: Greg Skinner
Where: St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center
415 6th Street, Lewiston
When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month

Pocatello Area

Facilitators: Lynne Mitchell and Helen Hinkley
Where: Marshall Public Library
113 S. Garfield Avenue, Pocatello
When: 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of every month

Twin Falls Area

Facilitator: Mark Lopshire
Where: Positive Connections
647 Filer Avenue, Twin Falls
When: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month

If you have information on other survivor support groups in your area or are interested in starting one yourself please contact SPAN Idaho at info@spanidaho.org or (208) 860 - 1703.