Originally Published October 15, 2017
For my Cleaning Out My Closet Series (COMC) I wanted to make sure that I could help others going through the things that I am going through. So I will include an interview by a professional in the topic of discussion after each COMC entry.
Cleaning Out My Closet: Suicide Interview
Q: Hi and thanks for helping me out today. Tell me who you are and why you know so much about this topic?
A: A Mental Health Professional (prefer not to give a name)
Q: Is it just people who suffer from mental disorders that are affected by committing suicide or suicidal thoughts?
A: No suicide is not a mental illness. I think it can be anyone that feels hopeless and discouraged and can't at the time find a remedy to ease the pain.
Q: What type of things can make a person suicidal?
A: Hurt, Disappointment, Hopelessness, Sickness, Pain, Not able to cope with the pressure of life.
Q: What can a person who is suicidal do to help themselves get through those crucial moments?
A: Seek professional help or help from a friend or relative.
Q: What are some signs that will show that a loved one may be suicidal?
A: Isolation, depression, Self-harm behavior, Withdrawal, hopelessness, and Excessive sadness
Q: How do you go about finding a mental health professional?
A: You can call 911 and DHS or you can go to the nearest emergency room.
Q: Are there any hotlines or websites you can recommend?
A: HOTLINES:
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Both toll-free, 24-hour, confidential hotlines which connect you to a trained counselor at the nearest suicide crisis center.
Safe Place: 1-888-290-7233
Project Safe Place provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of qualified agencies, trained volunteers, and businesses in 32 states. Call the hotline to find out if the program operates in your state, or look online.
National Alliance of the Mentally Ill: 1-800-950-6264
Toll-free, confidential hotline operating Mon.-Fri., 10 am- 6 pm (EST). Trained volunteers provide information, referrals, and support to anyone with questions about mental illness.
Q: Are there support groups that suicidal people or their loved ones can attend?
A: Batavia
Name of Group: Survivors of Suicide
Suicide Prevention Services
528 S. Batavia Ave.
Batavia, IL 60510
Contact Person: Stephanie Weber
(630) 482-9696
Meetings per Month: One
Fee: No
Carbondale
Name: Suicide Grief Support Group
Unitarian Fellowship building
105 N. Parrish Lane
Carbondale, IL 62901
Contact Person: Judy Ashby, MS, LCPC
(618) 549-5578
OR
Bill Sasso
(618) 529-2439
Meetings per Month: One - Second Tuesday at 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Fee: No
Centralia
Name: Survivors of Suicide
Centralia Ray of Hope
Irvin Funeral Home
PO Box 1155
Centralia, IL 62801
Contact Person: Greg Williams
(618) 532-5512
Meetings per Month: One
Fee: No
Chicago
Name of Group: Survivors of Suicide
Catholic Charities / LOSS Program
651 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661
Contact Person: Bruce Engle
(312) 655-7283
Loss Line 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. (M-F)
Meetings per Month: One
Meetings held in different locations throughout Cook, Lake, Will, and DuPage counties. Children/teen monthly groups also available.
Website: www.catholiccharities.net/loss
Fee: No
Chicago
Name of Group: LGBTQ Survivors of Suicide
LGBTQ Survivors of Suicide - Center on Halsted
3656 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60661
Contact Person: Edmond Yomtoob
(773) 450-4434
edmond.yomtoob@psychologistchicago.com
Meetings per Month: One - Third Wednesday, 7:15-8:45 p.m.
Fee: No
Dixon
Name of Group: Touched by Suicide
Hospice of the Rock River Valley
R.R. #2
Dixon, IL
Survivors Gather
Contact Person: Diana Knapp
(815) 625-6277
Fee: No
Edgemont
Name of Group: Survivors of Suicide
Call for Help, Suicide & Crisis Intervention
9400 Lebanon Road
Edgemont, IL 62203
Contact Person: Pearl Campbell
(618) 397-0963
Meetings per Month: Two - First and Third Monday 6-8 p.m.
Fee: No
Freeport
Park Hills Evangelical Free Church
2525 West Stephenson Street
Freeport, IL 61032
Name of Group: Survivors Road 2 healing
Contact Person: Lynne Hofmaster
(815) 297-0037 or (815) 238-0141 (cell)
Meetings per Month: Two - Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Fee: No
House Survivors of Suicide Support Program
Serving families with children surviving the suicide of a loved one.
3330 Dundee Rd., Suite S1-S4
Northbrook, IL 60062
Contact Person: Suzanne Clarey
847-205-5666
suzanneclarey@willowhouse.org
Meetings per Month: Please call for information
(Website: www.willowhouse.org
Also provides 8-week support groups for adolescents and teens, monthly family support, and referral services.
Fee: No
Oak Brook
Name of Group: Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends, Inc. (National Office)
P.O. Box 3696
Oak Brook, IL 60522-3696
Contact Person: Families can speak with anyone at the office
(877) 969-0010
Website: www.compassionatefriends.org
Meetings per Month: One (varies)
Please call toll free number for information on groups held throughout the country.
Fee: No
Rockford
Name of Group: Ray of Hope
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
4100 Augustana Drive
Rockford, IL 61107
Contact Person: Karon Pfile, RN
(815) 636-4750
npfile@rockford.com
Meetings per Month: Two - Second and Fourth Thursdays from 7-9 p.m.
Fee: No
Remember Loves take everything One Breath, One Step, and One Day at a time.
Writing to evolve minds one word at a time.
Cherlnell Lane
