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Arms of Support - A Survivors of Suicide Attempt Support Group

We would love to introduce you all to a NEW support group called "Arms of Support" Powered by Rev. Bryan Ostaszewski of Tuff Services Ministries. 

 The Mission

“Arms of Support” ( a Survivors of Suicide Attempt Support Group) created by Tuff Services Ministries, offers suicide attempt survivors a safe, non-judgmental place to talk about their common experience of having survived a suicide attempt. Members are encouraged to share their stories of recovery to support each other and learn new ways to cope with suicidal thoughts. Through peer support, trained and certified guided facilitation, we seek to encourage a supportive community to foster the development of effective coping skills and create hope for the future.

Rationale For the Support Group

People who have survived a suicide attempt are often embarrassed or ashamed about their attempt. Frequently, as a result of the crisis or mental health issues that led to their suicide attempt, they have withdrawn from their support systems. It is common for people who have survived an attempt to continue to face thoughts of suicide. While- recent national suicide prevention media campaigns encouraging a public health approach to suicide prevention suggest that “everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention,” it is, unfortunately, still common for individuals trying to share a wish to die with family, friends, significant others, and even helping professionals to be met with fear and alarm. The rationale for this support group is that freely talking about suicidal thoughts may reduce their urgency and potency, leaving space for new alternatives to be considered. Talking about a suicide attempt within a group of peers can reduce shame and stigma.

If unaddressed, the taboo and secrecy around suicidal ideation and the legacy of having made an attempt could contribute to future suicidal behaviors. When met with empathy and mutual respect, there is important healing potential in allowing an individual to talk about what led them to their suicide attempt, to find acceptance, and to feel more empowered to ask for help should suicidal thoughts return. Members can learn how to- identify when they may be at risk of suicide again and put supports in place to help them cope with their suicidal feelings while staying safe. Having an established space of safety for members to openly disclose suicidal impulses without fear of judgment or overreaction can be very empowering. The core values are to:

  • inspire hope and help people find meaning and purpose in life

  • Build community connectedness

  • Engage and support family and friends

  • Respect and support cultural, ethnic, and spiritual beliefs and traditions

  • Provide timely access to care and support

  • Preserve dignity and counter stigma, shame, and discrimination

  • Promote choice and collaboration in care

  • Connect persons to peer/mentor support

 

The program will be a reoccuring group meeting every 2 weeks on wednesdays at 6pm and is set to launch on July 6, 2022. The first support group will be hosted at Care Coalition NV - 1919 S. Jones Blvd., STE A, Las Vegas, NV 89146

 

For more info, click the following link: Tuff Services Ministries - Arms Of Support