For El Pasoans who have lost someone to suicide, free support is available
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- For those who lose a loved one to suicide, it can be difficult to find support.
On the last Tuesday of each month, a Suicide Survivors' Group meets with licensed counselors to support those touched by loss. The group is organized through the local mental health authority, Emergence Health Network.
The support group is open to the public for anyone over 18, and meets at 6 p.m. at the EHN Crisis and Emergence Services Clinic at 1601 East Yandell in El Paso.
According to the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline website, the loss of a loved one often includes complicated emotions. Finding support, especially in groups, can be very beneficial.
Some main suggestions from 988 include doing what feels right for you as you navigate through the day, find a way to ask for help -- and create a safety plan for yourself -- outlining what you will do if you start feeling overwhelmed by emotion.
Supporters say that writing, such as keeping a journal, can help provide a safe area for expressions of emotion tied to the loss.
More information about the Suicide Survivors' Group from EHN group can be found by calling (915)-779-1800.
If you need immediate support for a mental health challenge, there are support options available:
- 988: The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Anyone can contact the Crisis line through phone, text or message any time, for any mental distress.
- The 988 line has a dedicated Veterans Crisis Line
- EHN Crisis Hotline: (915-779-1800) - Staffed by locals, and a long-term resource in El Paso, Emergence Health Network's hotline has specialists ready to hear you out.
- Emergence Health Network - EHN is able to offer many different forms of support for mental health and wellness. From pet therapy to addiction treatment.
- NAMI El Paso - As part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are some options listed on their website for support and connection. NAMI is focused on providing support to anyone with any sort of mental illness.
- In NEW MEXICO, you can reach out to the CRISIS AND ACCESS LINE AT 855-662-7474.
It's important to note that these are just tools, and suicide support includes multiple forms of support. Psychological support can be a very important factor in preventing future attempts, according to the American Psychological Association.
Avery Martinez covers mental health in the Borderland as part of ABC-7’s Be Mindful initiative. He is also a Report for America corps member. RFA places talented, emerging journalists in newsrooms like ABC-7’s to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to rebuilding journalism from the ground up.
