Every year about 94,000 people in the Netherlands attempt suicide. People with parents, partners, children, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. These loved ones see their loved one struggling with life. And they struggle along, living with anxiety and fear, with worries and questions. In addition to the shock, the intense grief and the ‘why’ question, feelings of anger, shame, self-blame or guilt often come into play. In the support group for loved ones ‘moving on after a suicide attempt’ these are topics that are addressed. As well as the fear of recurrence. There is also room for practical questions. Such as ‘how to talk with the person who has made an attempt’, ‘how do I talk about this with children’ and ‘how do I deal with well-meaning advice’. And ‘how do I stay on my feet after this drastic event’.
Supporters of people who have attempted suicide often find it difficult to talk about the suicide attempt, to find understanding and to share feelings about it. The environment does not always know how to deal with this, is sometimes ready with (pre) judgments, advice or let little of themselves be heard. You can feel lonely or rejected. Sometimes the grief is (partly) processed, but there is a need to talk with others who have gone through the same thing. This support group can be supportive in this process.
