FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: THE IMPACT OF SOTV'S SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

An interview with Maria Steele

The new year often brings with it a sense of renewed hope and a desire for fresh starts. Yet, for many, the weight of grief and loss can linger, casting a long shadow over even the most optimistic resolutions. For those who have lost loved ones to suicide, the journey of healing can feel particularly isolating and daunting.  

Maria Steele, dedicated facilitator of the Suicide Bereavement Support Group at Shepherd of the Valley, shared how the group evolved from local in-person meetings to a thriving online community reaching individuals across the country and offering a lifeline to those in need.  

Following the death of her best friend and her friend’s son, Steele found solace within the existing group. Recognizing the profound impact of this support, she became a facilitator so that others might find the same support as they navigated their complex emotions of grief and loss. 

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge, forcing the group to transition from in-person to Zoom, an online meeting platform. While initially met with some apprehension, the virtual format unexpectedly expanded the group’s reach. 

“COVID challenged the church in many ways,” said Pastor Lindsey Bina. “It increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. Technology has helped bridge some of those gaps, and in some cases – like the Suicide Bereavement Support Group – it has broadened the scope and reach of that ministry, allowing folks to be met exactly where they are, no matter their geographic location.”  

Now listed online as a nationwide group with its virtual format, calls came in from New York, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia, and California, among others. This unexpected growth highlighted a critical need for accessible mental health support, particularly for those grieving suicide loss. Maria recounted a significant moment, “A woman called me, saying she was going through a list of resources, and God told her to call. She was working in pastoral care and wanted to start a support group in her area. It was incredible how God worked through that conversation!”  

This group’s impact extends beyond individual support. “I had a call from a woman with the California Department of Health Services,” Maria said. “She was gathering information about groups like ours and told me, ‘I’m going to share your group with all our ER docs.’ I was flabbergasted! It was a powerful reminder of the need for these resources and how our group could make a  difference.”  

FOSTERING CONNECTION  
Maria shared some of the unique challenges the  group has overcome by  meeting virtually. “In-person,  we could offer hugs and  physical comfort. We had to  find ways to translate that  connection online. We now  say things like, ‘We’re hugging  you,’ and we maintain  our candle-lighting ritual,  even virtually. We imagine  ourselves gathered around  a central candle, offering  support to each other.”  

Acknowledging the isolation that comes with experiencing suicide loss is an important  way of connecting. The group is known for providing a safe space to share feelings, frustrations and experiences without judgment. Recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive support, the group connects members with additional resources beyond the group’s meetings.  

THE POWER OF  TECHNOLOGY  
Meeting through Zoom has proven to be a powerful  tool in expanding access to mental health support.  Maria emphasized, “Technology has broken down  geographical barriers. People in remote areas now  have access to support that may not have been  available to them before. It’s truly remarkable.”  Each meeting there are between 5 and 12 people  from around the country in addition to those who  live locally. “Some people have shared that they  simply don’t have these resources available where  they live. The stigma around suicide is so strong in  so many parts of the country.” 

A MESSAGE OF HOPE  
The connection and support given through the Suicide Bereavement Support Group exemplifies the power of God through compassion, community, and technology, to transform lives. By providing a safe space for those navigating the complexities of grief, the group offers a beacon of hope in the face of unimaginable loss. 

Pastor Lindsey agrees. “As a faith community centered in the love of Christ, we are called to accompany people through the ups and downs, twists and turns of life. There is no challenge too big, no problem too small. God cares, and thus, so do we. I am so grateful that our support groups serve as a meaningful expression of God’s love through this faithful practice of accompaniment.”  

Please note, this article is for informational purposes  only and should not be considered medical or  professional advice. Please reach out to a pastor, a  mental health professional, or one of the resources  above if you need support.

RESOURCES  
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  
Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors who can provide support and guidance.  

Visit afsp.org  
The American Foundation for Suicide  Prevention (AFSP)  

Join the Group  
SOTV Suicide Bereavement Support Group meets on Zoom the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.