Online Suicide Support Groups

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported 33,000 suicides in 2006. Suicide, the 11th leading cause of death, leaves behind family members and friends who must cope with grief. Support groups allow them to talk freely with others who understand their loss. Support groups also help those who have considered suicide, linking them to resources and services and sometimes just providing contact with people who understand. Support groups are located in communities, many are telephone support lines, but there has been an increase of online support groups. Online groups provide connections while not compromising privacy.

ASFP Survivor e-Network

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP) is a nonprofit organization involved in suicide prevention initiatives. Its Survivor e-Network Society empowers survivors through information and opportunities for advocacy. Membership is free and is required.

  AFSP Survivor e-Network
  afsp.org

GROWW -- Friends Helping Friends

• Grief Recovery Online (founded by) Widows and Widowers (GROWW) is open to all survivor groups. This online site is a "meeting place" with many chat rooms aimed at meeting the needs of specific groups. GROWW is a nonprofit organization that also maintains an online library and provides information and resources.

  GROWW -- Friends Helping Friends
  groww.org

Parents of Suicides (POS) and Friends and Families of Suicides (FFOS)

• These groups provide international outreach and support organizations through one site. The site hosts a members-only support group, memorial sites and a memorial wall. The site also provides information of interest to suicide survivors.

  Parents, Friends, and Families of Suicides
  pos-ffos.com

Sibling Survivors

• This site hosts a message board for those who have lost a sibling to suicide. While the site sells books about suicide, the message board is busy and posters talk about their loss and assist each other in various ways.

  Sibling Survivors
  siblingsurvivors.com

Suicide Grief Support Forum

• A program of Parents of Suicides and Friends and Families of Suicides, this forum provides information and support to those affected by the suicide of a loved one.

  Suicide Grief Support Forum
  suicidegrief.com

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Always available, 24/7, is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can call if you are feeling suicidal or if you know someone who may be suicidal. Calls are confidential.

  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  1-800-273-TALK
  1-800-273-8255
  suicidepreventionlifeline.org/