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Support for Allegany County Families and Communities After a Suicide

The immediate aftermath of a loved one’s suicide is a challenging, confusing, and painful time. Families may need help through the first few days with a better understanding of the things they're likely to face. Please visit American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for answers to  some of the most common questions families may have.

Survivors of Suicide

Time heals all wounds is not necessarily true for survivors of suicide. Time is necessary for healing, but time is not enough. Shared feelings enrich and lead to growth and healing.

If you are a survivor of suicide loss, please consider joining an Allegany County Survivor of Suicide Loss Support Group:

2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month
Cuba Cultural Center
38 East Main Street
Cuba, New York 14727
7:00-8:00p.m.

2nd Tuesday of Every Month
Youth for Christ
55 East Fassett Street
Wellsville, New York 14895
6:30-8:00p.m.
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to suicide, extra attention to self care is important, especially in the days and weeks immediately following the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide.
  • Try to focus on what you need to do to heal, rather than replaying actions or events from the past.
  • Understand that intense feelings of grief, anger, rejection, guilt, and regret are normal, as are confusion and forgetfulness.
  • Keep in mind that family and friends may experience a feeling of relief when someone who may have been difficult for them dies by suicide. But relief may also be followed by guilt.
  • Explain the situation to other people in the manner most comfortable to you. Many survivors find it best to simply acknowledge that the death was a suicide.
  • In the days and weeks following a suicide loss, delay major decisions that can wait.
  • Remember that people grieve in different ways. There is no one “right” way to mourn the death of a loved one.
  • Spend time outdoors, listening to music, playing with a pet, or in other ways that bring comfort.
  • Recognize that you will heal in time.
  • Seek help to help process feelings.
  • If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to speak to someone immediately, contact the Allegany County Crisis Hotline at 1-888-448-3367

Download the Survivors of Suicide Loss Guide here!

Find additional resources at:
After a Suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances
This booklet helps community and faith leaders plan memorial observances and provide support to survivors.

Talking to Children About Suicide
If you find yourself having to explain suicide to a child, you may be wondering about the best way to do it. To help, learn some practical guidelines from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

Survivor Day is a day when suicide loss survivors can gather together to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope.

Locally, Survivors Day 2018 will take place on November 17, 2018. The event is Free and includes a light lunch and program. To register, please contact Patty Amidon at 585-593-5223, ext. 1010.

All gatherings will include a screening of a new Survivor Day documentary produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

To view past Survivor Day documentaries, please click here.
Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss

Community Support

Suicide loss impacts family members, friends, and the community. Allegany County's Suicide Prevention Coalition is sorry for your loss and is here to help connect you to services and information you may need during these difficult times; including:
  • Counseling Services
  • Funeral Planning and Assistance
  • Faith-Based Support
  • Peer Support from Other Survivors
  • Confidential 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
  • Financial Assistance for Unexpected Needs

For further information, please contact the Allegany County Suicide Prevention Coalition at 585-593-5223, ext. 1011.