Grief After Suicide support group returning in Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. — In America, suicide is the second most common cause of death in people from age 10 to 35. Here in Alpena, a local support group is opening back up to help people overcome suicide related grief.
Abundant Life Christian Guidance is starting their Grief After Suicide Support Group for those who have lost friends or family to suicide. Reverend Amy Will is a licensed pastoral clinical counselor behind Abundant Life.
At a young age, Rev. Will lost a loved one to suicide, and could not find a local support group to help her grieving process.
“About 11 and a half or 12 years ago, I lost a family member that was very close to me to suicide,” Rev. Will said. “I was researching a lot of different things, and I found that there was no support groups, services, or professionals specializing in the grief and loss of suicide.”
Rev. Will was studying social works at the time, and soon suicide grief and prevention became a passion of hers. She says the support group helps people overcome feelings of shame, guilt, and sadness. But most importantly, it gives people a safe space to feel understood when talking about the sensitive issue of suicide.
“Suicide is very taboo to a lot of people, even though there is more information out now to deflect that,” Rev. Will said. “So I think people feel understood when they’re around likeminded people in a group like this.”
The group meets the second Tuesday of every month, starting on April 13. Pre-registration is required by calling Rev. Will 989-590-7449, and a $5 charge is required for refreshments and food.
