OT: Suicide in family

Hi all,
My sister's husband took his own life last night. 
She is not an independent person and never has been.  I don't know what is going to happen to her after this sinks in.
What I was wondering if anyone knew where she could get some counseling (in the Fitchburg/Leominster area) for free.
She is really low on funds and financially she is going to have a hard time especially with the loss of her husband.
Thanks in advance,
Lynne

Wow, I'm sorry to hear. That must be really hard.

I would try South Bay Mental Health Center.com  ...they are all over MA and I'm pretty sure they have something for free when it comes to a crisis like this. Maybe you could call for her and get some info.  They do take MassHealth if she has that too.

Hi Lynne,

I sent you a PM.

Martha

My sincere condolences on your family's tragedy.  Very often the funeral homes can refer people to bereavement groups - and they may know of ones specifically for suicide related deaths.  she may be able to get help from local area suicide hotlines.

*hugs*
Sue

hI Lynne,
I am sorry for your sister as well as the entire and extended family.
Call your local board of health...they have all the resources and contacts.  I was downtown at our board of health the other day and I was actually amazed how many brochures on different resources they actually had.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joan

oh Lynne,

I am so sorry for your loss.

I found the following links on-line:

From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (seach for survivor)
http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_ id=742A015C-D811-979A-AB84379C813F8D93

From the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Resource Guide (search for survivor)
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/com_health/injury/suici de_prevention_resource_guide.pdf

Jayne Rossetti

Hi Lynne, so very sorry for your family's loss.  I believe there is a place called the Lipton Center in Fitchburg, you might also want to ask at Leominster hospital or Burbank to see if there any resources they could suggest or offer... I hope your sister will find peace.

Thanks to all *****sponded.
It's been a rough couple days but I think my sister is doing well.  She seems to be open to therapy so my next task is to find a place for her to go.
Tomorrow I plan on making lots of phone calls.
Take care,
Lynne

Hi Lynne

First of all, please let me offer my deepest sympathies.  That is a difficult situation for your sister and you to deal with.

Secondly, I work in health insurance on the mental health side and I have access to grief specialists in your sister's area.  If you are able and comfortable telling me what insurance she has (everyone in the state of Massachusetts MUST have insurance and behavioral health is covered), and it is a plan the company I work for manages, I will give you my 800 number for your sister to call me directly and I will assist her in matching up with the appropriate therapist in her area.

Email me if it is more comfortable for you.

Sandie

Hi Sandie,
Thank you for your response.
Unfortunately my sister does not have insurance.  (She left her job a few weeks ago and has been temping until something permanent comes along.) 
I did manage to go through the Lipton Center in Fitchburg, however, and found a Suicide Survivor support group in Littleton that meets 2x per month.  I'm hoping she'll feel comfortable in going, since she tends to hold things inside.  Maybe hearing that she's not alone will allow her to open up to people she doesn't know, as strange as that may sound.  In any case, I'll go with her to a few meetings in the beginning.
I've been with her for 3 days now and think she is doing well.
Thanks again to all *****sponded!
Lynne