HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE TO SUICIDE?

THE LOSS TEAM CAN HELP

The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund’s LOSS Team is made up of volunteers who have lost a loved one to suicide. The team assists with the aftermath of the loss, making certain that survivors find the resources they need, planting the seeds of hope. Often just saying, "I lost someone to suicide” dispels the stigma surrounding suicide and opens the door to accepting compassionate care.

 Each year, over 32,000 people are victims of suicide, leaving behind devastated family members and friends. There are millions of survivors of suicide who, like you, are trying to cope with this heartbreaking loss. If you have lost someone to suicide, you are not alone. There are resources available that can help you through this extremely difficult time in your life and help you to cope with your grief. 

You may find it comforting to talk with others who have lost a loved one to suicide. The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, as part of its mission to end suicide, holds regularly-scheduled meetings of survivors. The meetings are led by trained facilitators who, may have suffered a loss to suicide. Support groups can be places of compassion, understanding and healing. There is no cost to attend and attendance is always voluntary. Please consider joining us.

EASTERN SHORE SUICIDE GRIEVERS' SUPPORT GROUP, Berlin, MD
Caring, non-judging, listening people who have experienced a loss too. Meetings are free of charge.

Location:  Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive 

(across from Atlantic General Hospital); knock on the South door
When:  Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. 

The websites listed below have many other resources which can help you find information you may be looking for:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Worcester County Health Department

• Some survivors struggle with what to tell other people. Although you should make whatever decision feels right to you, most survivors find it best to simply acknowledge that their loved one was a victim of suicide.
• You may find it helpful to reach out to family and friends. Because some people may not know what to say, you may need to take the initiative about the suicide, share your feelings and ask for help.
• It may seem difficult, but maintaining contact with other people is critically important in the stress-filled months after the loss.
• Each person grieves in his or her own way. If it helps to go to the cemetery, for instance, by all means do so. If it helps to stay away, don’t feel guilty about your decision.
• Anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be especially hard, so you might want to think about whether to continue old traditions or make new ones. Unexpected waves of sadness are a normal part of grieving.
• Children experience the same sensations of grief as adults, and are especially at risk of feeling abandoned or guilty. Listen to them, assure them that they are not to blame, and answer their questions honestly in an age-appropriate fashion.
• You may find comfort in community, religious or spiritual activities, including talking to a trusted member of the clergy.
• Be kind to yourself. Enjoying life is not a betrayal of your lost loved one. Go on with your daily activities, return to the things that once brought you pleasure.
• Counseling with a mental health professional can help you through the grieving process. See our Resource Guides to help you navigate finding help.

It is well-documented that family members who have lost someone to suicide are statistically more likely to make attempts on their own lives, We hear from those in our support group that they felt so alone after their loss that thoughts of suicide arose. There are many more left behind who need the message that other families like theirs have struggled and have found peace. The LOSS Team will reach many more survivors across the lower Eastern Shore.”

The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund’s LOSS Team is made up of volunteers who have lost a loved one to suicide. The team assists with the aftermath of the loss, making certain that survivors find the resources they need, planting the seeds of hope. Often just saying “I lost someone to suicide” dispels the stigma surrounding suicide and opens the door to accepting compassionate care.

To reach the LOSS Team, call 410-726-3090.

There are many ways to get involved with Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, Inc., from volunteering and donating to attending our events and spreading the word. Join our community today to make a difference.