"We are part of a secret society that we never knew existed and never wanted to be a part of"
"When I lost my Dad to suicide I was thrown into a world that didn't seem to make any sense. My Dad was gone but the world kept turning, people kept laughing and living their lives. I found myself in the arms of the SSBSS and their love, immense passion and support enabled me to gain some control of my life. The Peer Support Groups allow me to be around people that not only understand how I feel, but they want to listen too. Their lives have been just as shattered as mine. Through the groups, I have made friends and am beginning to find my feet in a world that won't ever be the same again".
"Since we have lost our son the feelings of shock, grief, anger and disbelief happen daily and it is exhausting. We feel he chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Our counselling with Cruse has helped and the SSBSS has been our lifeline. Meeting once a month with others who have been bereaved by suicide helps so much, they are the only ones who know how you feel. We laugh sometimes, mostly cry, but talk about our emotions without judgement. Life will never be the same and it is a daily grind to ‘keep going’ but we must as we have a daughter who needs our support as well. There is no easy way to grieve, it has to be done in your own time, in your own way and it will go on".
At my time of need following my partner taking his life, Mind were great. They saw me within 48 hours of me making contact with them and they just let me vent... that was what I needed. They then went on to arrange several 1:1 Cruse counselling sessions for me, which was helpful as I could discuss my feelings in great depth. I also attended Mind Peer Support Group meetings with those in a similar situation, which was helpful because we listened to and supported each other. It was an extremely tough time in dealing with the circumstances and continuing to bring up my one year old son but Mind supported me (along with my family) in moving through different emotions and seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I am now about to start working again, my son is flourishing and I have recently got engaged. Mind was the starting point to improving my mental health following a very difficult time and I will always be grateful to the organisation for supporting me. I would definitely recommend Mind.
I don’t know what I would’ve done without my family at Mind. I call them family because that’s what it feels like. They have been there for me at my lowest times, when I didn’t want to be here anymore. They’ve helped me meet people who are going through the same heartbreak and who understand the pain of losing my son. They helped me explain to my daughters what had happened to their brother when I couldn’t find the words. I will be forever grateful to to SSBSS and everyone at Mind. They saved my life and gave me hope and understanding when I thought there was none.
My wife lost her Dad to suicide and I didn't know what to do. She got in contact with Mind and we begun attending the Peer Support Groups together. I could see how much it was benefiting her and how much she needed them.
Following the loss of my son to suicide was a traumatic event which left me feeling trapped in a heavy fog of grief. After the funeral, people and friends return to their lives and I felt as if I was left to climb a mountain on my own , which wasn't true. I felt that I had to try and return to the human race. I made time for myself. Whether that meant starting to go for walks or a swim it did help. I was referred to the SSBSS which really helped, just being in the presence of other people that had been through the same thing and knowing that they knew what you are going through. Attending the group gave me hope that I could survive this journey and that I could try to return to the human race.