Written by fellow suicide loss survivor Jeffrey Jackson, the booklet is an easy read that offers insight and essential information covering common experiences by those impacted by suicide loss.
Escrito por Jeffrey Jackson, un compañero que también ha experimentado la pérdida por suicidio, el folleto es una lectura fácil que ofrece perspectiva e información esencial sobre experiencias comunes de quienes han sido impactados por la pérdida por suicidio.
In the aftermath of a death by suicide, loss survivors—family, friends, and others impacted—are often confronted by a complex tapestry of emotions that may feel insurmountable. This kind of grief, known as suicide loss or suicide bereavement, can be overwhelmingly intense, multifaceted, and unique to each individual. It is key that suicide loss survivors have access to the support needed to process and live through the loss.
The Complicated Nature of Suicide Grief
Understanding suicide grief is the first step toward coping with it. Grief for suicide loss survivors is often marked by an array of conflicting emotions, including shock, anger, guilt, and profound sadness. Loss survivors often grapple with “why” questions that cannot be answered, or feel a sense of guilt or responsibility for the suicide. Additionally, a portion of suicide loss survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Suicide grief is complicated not only because of its emotional depth, but also due to societal stigma attached to suicide, making it harder for loss survivors to express their feelings openly or seek support. The journey through suicide loss can feel isolating, and many have found hope and healing on the other side of this loss with the support of other loss survivors.
Strategies for Dealing with Suicide Grief
Everyone experiences grief differently and it is important to find the approaches that are most effective for you and your experience. Here are a few strategies that may help:
Acknowledge your feelings: Give yourself permission to feel and express whatever emotions come your way. Ignoring or suppressing these feelings may only prolong the grieving process.
Seek professional help: Mental health professionals are trained to help you navigate the intense emotions accompanying bereavement. They can provide tools and strategies tailored to your specific needs, and can help you find healthy ways to keep the memory of your loved one alive.
Connect with others: Isolation can intensify feelings of grief. Try to stay connected with friends and family. Share your feelings with those you trust and who can offer empathy and support.
Self-care: Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and ample sleep can help manage the physical symptoms of grief, as well as promote improved mental health. Mindfulness practices, like yoga and meditation, can also help you stay connected to your body and emotions.
Find your own pace: Everyone’s grief timeline is different. Do not rush the process or compare your journey to others’. Allow yourself the time you need to heal.
Finding Suicide Loss Support
There are many different types of resources available to support suicide loss survivors in their journey toward healing. You can find suicide loss support in these areas and more:
Support groups: There are many support groups specifically designed for suicide loss survivors. These groups offer a safe, understanding space for survivors to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive support from others who understand this kind of grief.
Online communities and resources: If in-person support feels too daunting, there are a number of online communities and forums that can provide insight and companionship in a more anonymous setting. You can also find online resourcesto help you through your loss and connect you with supportive and understanding communities.
Crisis lines: In moments of crisis or intense grief, crisis lines such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can support on the phone, through text-message, or web-based messaging) can provide immediate support.
Therapy: The process of healing from the trauma of suicide is multifaceted and layered. It is not just about managing the pain, but also about finding a new normal, learning to live with the loss, and reconstructing a meaningful life. Licensed therapists who specialize in complex grief can provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to explore these complex emotions and challenges.
Navigating suicide loss is an arduous journey, but no one has to walk this path alone. With understanding, self-care, and support, loss survivors can find their way to healing and hope.
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Donate today to support AAS’ mission to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.
How To Support Survivors of Suicide Loss: A Guide to Being There in the Aftermath
Every year in the US, about 1 million people are directly impacted by the suicide of someone close to them. These individuals become survivors of suicide loss, a term that refers to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. This sudden loss often leaves survivors in a state of shock, confusion, and deep-seated grief, as they grapple with a host of complex and overwhelming emotions.
Understanding the needs and struggles of these loss survivors is essential in providing them with appropriate support, both in the short and long term. In this article, we offer guidance on how to navigate this painful situation, providing comfort and companionship to suicide loss survivors.
The Emotional Aftermath of Suicide Loss
Suicide loss can thrust survivors into a state of immense grief, often compounded by feelings of guilt, anger, and shame. They may experience a unique type of mourning known as complicated grief, characterized by debilitating sorrow and difficulty in resuming their everyday lives.
Survivors may also grapple with the stigma associated with suicide, which can make the grieving process even more challenging. This can lead to isolation, as they may feel reluctant to discuss their loss due to societal judgments and misconceptions about suicide.
Because of these muddled and complex feelings, and the societal tendency to shy away from suicide, one of the most important things you can do to help a survivor of suicide loss is to listen. Listen actively, without judgment, criticism, or prejudice. Let them share on their own timing and with their own discretion. Remember to be patient and to take a back seat; do not impose your own ideas about grief. Their experience is personal and unique, and you are there to support them, not shepherd them.
Here are some ways you can support a suicide loss survivor, now and later.
Providing Short-Term Support to Suicide Loss Survivors
In the initial aftermath of a suicide, survivors need tangible, immediate support. Here are a few ways you can help:
Be present: Simply being there, offering a shoulder to cry on, or listening to them express their feelings can be enormously helpful. Avoid passing judgment or offering solutions. Instead, let them know you’re there for them no matter what.
Offer practical assistance: Helping with daily chores, meals, childcare, or even administrative tasks related to the death can alleviate some of their immediate stress.
Encourage professional help: Encourage survivors to seek support from mental health professionals or suicide loss support groups, who can provide therapies and/or support specifically tailored to handle the complexities of suicide grief.
Long-Term Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss
Providing long-term support is equally critical, as the grieving process is often extended, lasting months or years. Here’s how you can be there for survivors in the long run:
Maintain regular contact: Stay connected beyond the initial period of loss. Regularly check in, reminding them that they are not alone in their grief and that you are still there for them.
Acknowledge anniversaries and milestones: The deceased individual’s birthday, the anniversary of the death, or other significant dates can be particularly challenging. Reach out during these times.
Promote open communication: Continue to encourage open discussions about their feelings, and ensure they feel heard and validated.
Support self-care: Remind them of the importance of self-care. This can include ensuring they get adequate sleep and exercise, eat healthily, and take time for activities they enjoy.
Facilitate access to support groups: Encourage them to join support groups for survivors of suicide loss. These offer a safe space to share experiences and feel understood by others who have been through similar situations.
Say their name: Speak the person’s name out loud, at the level you, and their person is comfortable with. Too often speaking of someone we lost may be avoided due to concern it will upset their loved one. Share stories, remember them, and engage in ways that honor their memory.
Advocating for Suicide Loss Survivors
Supporting survivors of suicide loss is not just a personal obligation. It is also about advocating for societal and systemic changes to improve support for those grieving suicide loss. This can include promoting suicide awareness, fighting stigma associated with mental health concerns, and lobbying for better access to mental health services. Support suicide prevention, research, and advocacy by donating today!
Suicide loss is a deeply personal and devastating experience. It is essential that we, as a society, step up to provide the necessary support to those left behind. By offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and an understanding heart, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by suicide loss.
The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of laypersons who have an interest in suicide prevention. Learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides and open the door for help for those in need. Visit the Media as Partners in Suicide Prevention: Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more details. For additional information, visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com and Stanford University’s Media and Mental Health Initiative. For crisis services anywhere in the world, please visit FindAHelpline.org and in the continental United States chat, text or call 988.Donate today to support AAS’ mission to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.
Washington, D.C., September 26, 2024 – The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jody Gottlieb as Interim Executive Director. Jody succeeds Leeann Sherman, who served as President and CEO. In her new role, Jody will provide leadership and direction during this transition period, ensuring the continued fulfillment of the organization’s mission to prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness.
Supported by senior leadership team members Katherine Delgado, Chief Program and Information Officer, and Bonnie Benetti, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Jody will focus on strengthening the organization’s internal operations, expanding partnerships, and advancing critical initiatives.
Hudson Harris, Chair of the AAS Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Jody’s leadership capabilities. “Jody brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission. Her strategic vision and steady leadership will be crucial as we navigate this period of change.”
Previously serving as AAS’s Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, Jody played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration across the organization and advancing AAS’s vital work in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
“I am honored to step into this role at such a critical time for AAS,” said Jody Gottlieb. “We are united in our mission to save lives and support communities, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and partners to continue this important work.”
About the American Association of Suicidology (AAS): Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, the American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest membership-based suicide prevention organization. AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. Its membership includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and laypersons interested in suicide prevention. Learn more at www.suicidology.org.
$99 US
Members in this category include non-professionals who are interested in learning more about the field and seeking a community that includes loss survivors, attempt survivors and community supporters.
Early-Career Professional
$179 US
Members in this category include individuals who recently graduated in the suicidology program or any related programs in suicide prevention and are transitioning into the early years of their career in the workforce.
Senior Professional
$209 US
Members in this category include Individuals who are experts and/or leaders and have rich experience in a specific area such as crisis services, clinical care and research with suicidality, public health and suicide prevention care.
Student
$49 US
Open to students who are enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate-level suicidology program or any related program in suicide prevention. Individuals applying in this category must provide proof of full-time student status from their college/university.
Retiree
$49 US
Open to individuals who were professional in the field of suicidology and no longer practice but want to engage and get involved with the association.
Non-profit Organization
This membership is open to nonprofit 501(c)(3), (4) or (6) organizations engaged in mental and behavioral health services, crisis services, and suicide prevention care or can complement the work of AAS via their mission and vision.
Government Agency
This membership is open to federal, state and local government agencies engaged in public health or related work.
Affiliate Organization
This membership is open to consulting firms or companies that provide products and/or services that serve individuals or other organizations to achieve important personal or professional outcomes.
*Does not include subscription to Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior Peer-Reviewed Journal
Member Benefits for All Tiers
AAS Membership Offers
Free webinars
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, AAS’s peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal, featuring current research, case studies, and applied prevention articles (not available for Community Level individual members)
Membership Discounts
AAS Annual Conference and Annual Healing Conference
Training workshops
Publications and resources
Individual and organizational certification programs
Membership Access
Networking opportunities with leading clinicians and researchers in the field
Participation on committees, task-forces, and grant-funded projects
Promotion and dissemination of research or suicide prevention projects or initiatives
Organizational memberships provide member benefits to the employees of the company/organization, crisis center, or coalition. All qualifying employees must register under the organizational name for membership discounts in training, conferences, and products. Volunteers may also be included in the organizational membership, but must submit a letter of service from the organization. Individual memberships are also available for those who do not qualify for recognition under the organizational membership.
AAS Guests can register for events and partake in trainings at non-member rates. Guests can create a profile, but do not have access to AAS Member benefits.
We believe that the only way for the field of suicidology to reduce suicide and build lives worth living for BIPOC is to dismantle systems of oppression.
The purpose of the American Association of Suicidology is to prevent suicide and better understand its causes, while supporting those who have been affected by it. We seek to build lives worth living. It is critical to embrace a world where Black, Brown and Indigenous lives matter. We can only do this by dismantling systems of racism and oppression that implicitly or explicitly endorse the individual biases and racist systems that marginalize and erase the experiences and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). These are the same systems that actively destroy the physical and mental wellbeing of BIPOC. We pledge to recognize and address the intersectionality of the impact of suicide and its prevention when we traditionally have not as a field, even though we certainly should have.
We believe that the only way for the field of suicidology to reduce suicide and build lives worth living for BIPOC is to dismantle systems of oppression. Systemic racism not only affects how we understand and provide access to mental health care and crisis support, it frames how suicide and mental health are conceptualized, how resources including funding get allocated, and what questions are deemed worthy of research funding. Furthermore, we pledge to examine AAS’s structure and operation to understand how racist and oppressive systems are embedded in our functioning in order to shift our own organization to have anti-racist perspectives and practices.
As a predominantly and historically white organization, AAS, its board, staff, and leadership understand that we must deepen our commitment and resolve to include the voices and experiences of our BIPOC members. AAS must lead by example when it comes to inclusivity, diversity, and equity and demonstrate to current and future members that this is an organization committed to doing the work to dismantle systemic racism.
The AAS Board, Staff and Leadership pledge to:
Continue our current work with Dr. Pata Suyemoto and other knowledgeable advisors to create an anti-racist organization
Diversify the Board of Directors, leadership, staff, and our membership
Continue to work on Board and leadership development related to anti-racism and equity
Examine and reevaluate policies and practices at all levels of the organization, including governance, programming, fundraising, communications, recruitment and operations, and member engagement through a lens of anti-racism and equity
Highlight BIPOC voices and perspectives at the annual conference and throughout organizational activities
Acknowledge and engage the Indigenous people whose homelands on which we stand and meet as an organization, including returning time and space at the annual conference to Native people as invited speakers, breakout sessions and hosted events
Create recognition and accountability for the historical harms done to BIPOC by mental health, public health, social work, and other fields central to suicidology
Listen to and engage with BIPOC to respond to their needs
Continue to engage with members and the public with live stream events to increase access to activities and to respond to concerns of BIPOC communities in real-time
Amplify the voices of BIPOC engaged with suicide prevention, intervention and postvention
Continue to improve our accreditation standards to ensure crisis centers are addressing diversity, inclusivity, and equity
Develop scholarships (research, conference attendance, etc.) for BIPOC members
Advocate for funding for research to understand and address the factors that contribute to BIPOC suicide
Discuss and encourage intervention and prevention research and initiatives specific to the culture and beliefs of BIPOC populations
Recognize the ways that intersecting marginalized identities may impact BIPOC and to engage them across disciplines, including BIPOC suicide attempt survivors and survivors of loss in all parts of the organization
This is your AAS. The Board, leadership, and staff pledge to remain transparent in our efforts to create real, anti-racist, decolonized outcomes for the organization, our members, and suicide prevention at large.
Become a Member
BECOME A MEMBER & MAKE AAS YOUR HOME!
The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is the world’s largest and nation’s oldest organization dedicated to suicide prevention. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. While AAS includes members, it operates beyond a traditional membership-based model.
By joining as an AAS Member, you will be part of a global community of suicidologists and experts in suicide prevention, gaining access to professional development, resources, events, networking opportunities, and a supportive community.
Individual Membership
By becoming an individual member, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits but also contribute directly to AAS’s mission to empower all toward resilient lives, inspiring hope and preventing suicide through the advancement of suicidology. Discover all the advantages listed below and choose the member option that best fits your specific needs.
Member benefits:
Online subscription to the Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior journal
Engage and network with our members of the AAS community
Listing in the member directory
Conference registration discounts
Publication, Training and Certification program discounts
24/7 online access to our exclusive member portal to renew your member option, view invoices, register for events, make purchases, and more!
5 Individual Member Options:
Individual Supporter
$99/year
Members in this category include non-professionals who are interested in learning more about the field and seeking a community that includes loss survivors, attempt survivors, and community supporters.
$179/year
Members in this category include individuals who recently graduated from a suicidology program or any related programs in suicide prevention and are transitioning into the early years of their careers in the workforce.
$209/year
Members in this category include individuals who are experts and/or leaders and have rich experience in a specific area such as crisis services, clinical care and research with suicidality, public health, and suicide prevention care.
$49/year
Open to students who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate-level suicidology program or any related program in suicide prevention. Individuals applying in this category must provide proof of full-time student status from their college/university.
If your organization is already a member, then so are you! You may request from your organization to join and register as an “Employee of Member Organization”. For more information, email memberservices@suicidology.org.
Annual Budget
Annual Dues
<$100,000
$220/year
$100,000-$199,999
$270/year
$200,000-$499,999
$390/year
$500,000-$749,999
$530/year
$750,000-$999,999
$650/year
$1,000,00+
$800/year
Organizational Member Type
Non-Profit Organization
This membership is open to nonprofit 501(c)(3), (4) or (6) organizations engaged in mental and behavioral health services, crisis services, and suicide prevention care or can complement the work of AAS via their mission and vision.
This membership is open to consulting firms or companies that provide products and/or services that serve individuals or other organizations to achieve important personal or professional outcomes.
Your membership will be reviewed and approved 24-48 business hours after signing up. When completing the required information, do not use abbreviations.
The Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition
Launched in 2015 through a collaboration between the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and Dr. Paul Quinnett, Ph.D., Executive Chairman and Brian Quinnett, M.S., CEO of the QPR Institute, the Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition invites you to explore personal stories of survival, hope, and recovery from suicidal ideation and attempts. This annual competition shines a light on the powerful narratives of suicide attempt survivors, offering unique insights into their experiences. Each story captures the profound impact of their journey, shared in a way that resonates with and enlightens the wider community.
The competition aims to increase the visibility of suicide attempt survivors by elevating their personal narratives. These writings describe the impact on the authors and present their journeys in an accessible and understandable manner.
Submit a personal essay detailing your experience with suicidal ideation and/or attempt(s). Your writing should describe the impact on your life and present your story in a way that is accessible and understandable to the wider community. Please note that poetry, creative fiction, and biography are not accepted.
The Paul G. Quinnett Writing Competition is committed to centering marginalized voices. We welcome submissions from those harmed by the mental health system or psychiatric industrial complex, people with disabilities, and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ communities. We prioritize intersectional perspectives to ensure diverse voices have a platform where their creative contributions and ideas are honored.
Funding Supports
The top three winning authors are awarded a cash prize and a plaque, along with recognition on social media, a press release, and the American Association of Suicidology’s website.
Funding supports 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winnings and awards, honoring their achievements and covering administrative costs.
First Place: $1,500
Second Place: $1,000
Third Place: $500
Deadline: November 12, 2024, by 11:59 pm EST
Guidelines
Word limit: 2,500
Font: Open Sans or Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt
Spacing: Double-spaced
Margins: Normal (1″)
Messaging About Suicide
Entries must follow the guidelines below:
Using “died by/of suicide” instead of “committed”
Avoiding usage of “unsuccessful” or “failed” attempt
Avoiding describing attempt(s) in graphic details
Waiver
Writers must waive copyright restrictions and must allow AAS and others to reprint or reproduce the writing.
Confidentiality within the Writing
Names of any individuals or organizations will be redacted for the judges. We encourage you to consider having conversations with individuals who will be named since the story will be publicly accessible.
Previous Submissions and Participants
Past participants may submit previously submitted works. Previous winning authors are not eligible to submit new or previously submitted work.
Ratings by Judges
Our volunteer judges are professional writers, writing instructors, and/or members of the suicidology community. Each entry will be reviewed by at least two judges, who are randomly assigned. All entries will be evaluated on a double-blind basis. Neither entrant nor judge will know which individuals have participated in the competition. Due to time constraints, writers are not provided feedback.
Judges will rate submissions on a scale from 1-5. No decimal numbers are allowed. This is an award of points for quality, the better the submission, the higher the rating. The combined score of those judges will be the submission’s total score.
Rated Categories
Increases public awareness about understanding of the experiences of suicidal people
Challenges the field to think about suicide survivorship in new ways
Good writing – compelling, engaging, understandable to a wide range of audiences
