Hampton Roads S.O.S. is a support group designed to help family and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide to cope with the sorrow of their tragedy and to heal in healthy, life-giving ways.
In February 1988, it was founded and continues to be facilitated by Chris Gilchrist, L.C.S.W., who is a member of the American Association of Suicidology, as well as, a therapist working with individuals and families with bereavement or other life issues.
This S.O.S. group can offer many benefits "For one thing, being with a group of people who have been through the same thing works to dissolve the stigma. Here you are, sitting with this group of perfectly nice people, and the same thing happened to them. Also, people who have been through a suicide feel so alienated and isolated, and experience subtle blame. In this group, you can talk about all of this, and there are people who can identify with what you're going through. There is nothing mysterious or exotic about these support groups. They're simply a place where people can gather to talk about what they've been through, share their feelings, and help one another cope with their experiences and begin the difficult process of healing." (Why Suicide? Eric Marcus) Grieving in healthy ways is especially important for survivors of suicide as they are five times at greater risk for suicide themselves. A fellowship of support forms as survivors come together in this safe place to grieve, to understand, and to go on with living.
The Hampton Roads S.O.S. Group is offered as a community service at no charge and is sponsored by Maryview Behavioral Medicine Center. Monthly meetings are held every third Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at: St Andrew Lutheran Church, 4811 High Street West, Portsmouth, VA.
For more information or to register before attending call Chris Gilchrist, L.C.S.W. at 757/483-5111.
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