Suicide survivors learn tips to deal with grief

DIKE — One of the most difficult things for families to talk about is the loss of a loved one. If that loved one took their own life, the subject becomes even more difficult.
Robin Plocher, an after-care specialist with Engelkes-Abels Funeral Homes, recently hosted an event to help those families learn how to cope with their grief.
Earlier this year, Plocher attended a class about suicide grief at the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Boulder, Colo., and came home wondering what she could do to help those who have been through such difficult times.
"I came home with a renewed commitment to do something to bring more light and awareness to the problems in our mental health system and the special complications of suicide grief and bereavement, and I learned about International Day for Suicide Survivors," she said.
Plocher decided that day, Nov. 23, would be a day to offer an event for suicide survivors. The event was organized in partnership with Cedar Valley Hospice.
 

For more of this story, see the Dec. 5 Grundy Register.