By Vernon Matters Staff

Help to recover from losing a loved one

Aug 22, 2019 | 11:42 AM

A local organization is helping people deal with the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District provides a suicide grief support group free of charge.

The next group will meet on Wednesdays from September 4 to October 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The People Place, 3402 – 27th Ave.

“The group provides an opportunity to discuss and share feelings and experiences related to the loss of a loved one, including the impact of guilt, anger and regret, coping as a family, building a support network, honouring the memory of a loved one, and coping with birthdays, anniversaries and holidays,” CMHA Executive Director Julia Payson said.

Suicide loss support groups are led by CMHA trained facilitators who have received specialized training in suicide grief support.

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Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Paula at 250-542-3114 ext. 236 or support@cmhavernon.ca

Vernon resident Jeff Teale knows all too well the after-effects of the shock and pain after losing his son Dallas last year, and took part in CMHA’s eight-week suicide grief support group.

“I needed help to understand and cope with the extreme grief and trauma that I felt about losing my son,” Teale said. “As I struggled through the pain, it was comforting to receive support from others who have suffered the same loss.”

Teale said attending the sessions helped him gain knowledge and strategies to cope with losing his son to suicide.

“It’s OK to ask for help when you are feeling alone or troubled. You are important and not alone; there is always someone to reach out to,” he said.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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