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THE TUFF SERVICES MINISTRIES™    
                                        

Certified Interfaith Pastoral Counseling, Coaching and Trauma Relief Services 

 
 

"Arms Of Support"

*(800) 649-0925*

 
The "Arms Of Support" is a support group  that was created for family members and friends who have lost their loved ones to suicide. We understand the special needs of those who have suffered this difficult kind of loss. Our goal is to help survivors cope with the death of their loved one so they can move forward in their lives in a positive and productive way. They have a safe place to share experiences and learn from others, ask questions, and disclose feelings that they are often unable to express elsewhere. Most important, participants find a place where there is no shame, no stigma and no isolation involved in being a survivor.

Our support group is a non-denominational based ministry for men and woman and includes all suicide survivors from all walks of life. We will cover many specific topics and will provide some special speakers at our group meetings.        



Our "Arms Of Support" Program Description:


  • Typically composed of 6 to 10 participants 
  • Will meet the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month for 90 minutes 
  • The program allows participants to develop safe, secure bonds with each other, thereby improving the healing process
  • Provide Education And Information
  • Provide motivation and inspiration
  • Provide encouragement for Biblical Believers and Non-Believers
  • Questions and answer opportunities
  • Provide a What's on your mind discussion (Tell Your Story)
  • Facilitated by a survivor who has lost a loved one to suicide, and volunteers his or her time to help others

We welcome each of you as part of our extended family, with a non-judgmental ear, mind and heart. We are here for you and your family. Our meetings are held with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. We encourage you to come join us, just as you are and to represent who you are. This is a place for you to be comfortable and to just be yourself!

 

The TUFF Suicide Prevention and Support  Mission:


"To provide the educational tools and resources within our communities, that will create more awareness of the warning signs and symptoms of suicide and to provide hope, healing and support to survivors -children, youth, and adults who have experienced loss" 

 

Reasons To Join A Support Group


Surviving the suicide of someone close to you is one of the most traumatic experiences a person will ever endure. For a time it seems that the pain is unending. Losing a loved one through suicide is an especially devastating loss. The survivors left behind have a difficult array of emotions to overcome on their journey in learning how to cope with their grief.


A suicide death is usually unexpected and sudden, even if the person had been talking about suicide in the past. The method is often violent and it's difficult for survivors to think about their loved one inflicting this violence on himself. Unfortunately, suicide carries a stigma in our society and friends and family members are often at a loss for what to say. For many people, losing a loved one to suicide causes feelings of abandonment with thoughts like, "my loved one chose to leave me!" All of these issues make the grieving process more difficult.


A recent medical study examined what suicide survivors found most helpful to their healing, rated  "Talking one-to-one with another suicide survivor" (100%) and participating in a "Suicide grief support group" (94%) as the two most helpful activities for survivors. Participating in a suicide support group allows you the opportunity to experience both of these activities at once. The World Health Organization stresses importance of self-help support groups for those bereaved by suicide:

"Suicide survivors report more frequent feelings of responsibility for the death, rejection and abandonment than those who have lost someone from natural causes. Feelings of stigmatization, shame and embarrassment set them apart from those who grieve a non-suicidal death. The survivor is more likely to spend a greater proportion of time pondering on the motives of the person who committed suicide, the question “why” being continually present. The universal assumption that parents are responsible for their children’s actions can also place parents who have lost a child by suicide in a situation of moral and social dilemma. 

There are more taboos attached to the discussion of suicide than to any other form of death. Those bereaved by suicide often find it very difficult to admit that the death of their loved one was by suicide, and people often feel  talking about the suicide with them. Those bereaved by suicide therefore have less opportunity to talk about their grief than other bereaved people. A support group can assist greatly, as a lack of communication can delay the healing process. The coming together of those bereaved by suicide can provide the opportunity to be with other people who can really understand, because they have been through the same experience; to gain strength and understanding from the individuals within the group, but also to provide the same to others." 


The group can provide:
  • A sense of community and support; 
  • an empathetic environment and give a sense of belonging when the bereaved person feels disassociated from the rest of the world; 
  • the hope that “normality” can be reached eventually;
  • experience in dealing with difficult anniversaries or special occasions; 
  • opportunities to learn new ways of approaching problems;
  • a sounding board to discuss fears and concerns; 
  • a setting where free expression of grief is acceptable, confidentiality is observed, and compassion and non-judgemental attitudes prevail. 


The group may also take on an educational role, providing information on the grief process, on facts relating to suicide, and on the roles of various health professionals. Another major function is that of empowerment - of providing a positive focus enabling the individuals to regain some control over their lives. One of the most devastating aspects of a suicidal or accidental death is that there is invariably much unfinished business and many unanswered questions, and yet the individual can see no way of resolving the situation. The support of a group can often gradually dissolve the feelings of hopelessness and provide the means whereby control can be regained."  Although support groups are not for everyone, people who benefit from support groups may find themselves better able to handle their emotions.
 

***Registration for our next support group will open shortly***


Our Support Group meets on the: 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.


From: 6:00pm - 7:30pm




Location:


TBD



To register or for more information, please contact us at: (800) 649-0925
 
 

If you are in crisis,

call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
 
 
 
Note:  This page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider, prior to making any decision about your health.