A Resource for Survivors of Suicide Loss
H.U.G.S. offers compassionate peer support for suicide loss survivors in the Aberdeen area, providing a safe space to share, heal, and connect with others who understand. Our free, drop-in meetings are led by volunteers who have also experienced loss.
Attend a Support Group Meeting
We meet the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM at Conklin Clinics located at 2120 8th Ave NE in Aberdeen, SD.
What to Expect
Meetings are led by volunteers who have also lost a loved one to suicide. H.U.G.S. is not a professional therapy group, but rather a peer support group. H.U.G.S. provides the opportunity to explore feelings through the grieving process and shares resources. H.U.G.S. meetings are free and drop-in.
You are welcome to attend H.U.G.S. meetings at any time after your loss. (Minors need parental consent and should be accompanied by an adult.)
Before joining, reflect if you are ready to talk about your loss, if you can share your time and attention with others, if you are comfortable listening to others talk about their losses.
Additional Resources
Get connected with additional helpful resources to further support you on your journey.
Crisis & Help Lines
988 - A suicide & crisis lifeline available 24/7 for people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.
211 Helpline Center - Get confidential, caring assistance with bills, food, and local resources 24/7.
Veteran’s Crisis Line - Dial 988 then select 1, or text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
LGBTQ Hotline - Dial 888-843-4564 or text START to 678-678 to get confidential support, crisis intervention, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies.
National Domestic Violence Hotline - Dial 800-799-7233 to access trained advocates for emotional support, safety planning, and connections to shelters, legal assistance, and other services.
Websites
AFSP - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a leader in research, training and other resources for suicide prevention and survivors.
Alliance of Hope - Created by survivors, for survivors. Find information to help survivors understand the complex emotional aftermath of suicide.tion for Suicide Prevention over the phone, virtually or in-person. This goal for this one-time connect is to help recent survivors navigate the challenging journey by offering support, connection and resources.
Boundless.org - Get advice from people who have dealt with the tragedy of suicide themselves.
Focus on the Family - Find a number of faith-based resources to help prevent and support for loved ones after a loss.
Healing Conversations - Support provided by the trained volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention over the phone, virtually or in-person. This goal for this one-time connect is to help recent survivors navigate the challenging journey by offering support, connection and resources.
SD Department of Education - A collection of resources for educators and the general public on the topic of mental health.
SD Suicide Prevention - The state’s resource for education on suicide and suicide prevention. Sign up to receive their newsletter as well.
Support Services - Find a variety of different support services for survivors of suicide loss.
Books
Understanding Your Suicide Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Alan D. Wolfelt
Grieving a Suicide by Albert Y Hsu
Monthly Virtual Support Group
Hosted the Second Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 PM.
Hosted by the Helpline Center, their support group is a safe and confidential space that looks to provide hope to survivors no matter where they are in their grief journey.
Questions? Contact Erica Allen at 605-274-1416 or via email.
Podcasts
Finding God’s Healing After a Suicide Loss - FREE download. Suicide has a devastating impact on families, and it’s essential to find hope and healing when coping with a sudden loss. On this Focus on the Family broadcast, Rita Schulte and Jean Daly discuss their experiences with losing a loved one to suicide. They describe how their faith in God sustained them as they turned to Him for hope, and how He faithfully provided them with His comfort and strength.
ON PURPOSE with Jay Shetty - The world’s #1 mental health podcast. Listen to conversations and workshops that promote happiness, health, and healing. Host Jay Shetty believes when people feel seen, heard, and understood, they can navigate relationships, work challenges, and life’s ups and downs with greater ease and grace.
Life After Suicide with Dr. Jennifer Ashton - ABC News’ Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Ashton, draws from personal tragedy to explore the aftermath of suicide and sudden loss, offering a roadmap to healing through her podcast and book, Life After Suicide. Through conversations with survivors, experts, and those who have rebuilt their lives, she provides insight on navigating grief, finding balance, and moving forward after trauma.
The Leftover Pieces with Melissa Bottorff-Arey - A podcast about navigating life after losing a loved one to suicide. Its host Melissa lost her own son to suicide and her podcast offers support, resources, and honest conversations about grief, healing, and finding purpose after loss. It features personal stories, expert insights, and discussions on mental health, resilience, and the realities of life after such a profound loss.
Journey through your Suicide Loss with Tracy Oeser - This podcast is about Tracy’s personal grief journey following the loss of her daughter to suicide. It aims to provide support and resonate with listeners processing their own grief.
Mending Piece by Piece with Linda Falasco - Hosted by a therapist, this podcast focusing on navigating loss, grief, and trauma. Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experiences, Linda offers insights and support to those dealing with various forms of loss, aiming to help listeners mend, even if it's piece by piece.
Additional Suggestions?
If you have a resource that’s been helpful in your suicide loss healing journey, that’s not listed above, we’d love to hear about it. Send us a note at hugsaberdeensd@gmail.com.
Subscribe to the SD Suicide Prevention Newsletter
Get quarterly updates from sdsuicideprevention.org with upcoming events, areas of focus, and other information.
Offering You H.U.G.S.
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