Rock Island - Christian Care, a local nonprofit charity that provides shelter and an array of services for homeless men, and women and children who have experienced domestic violence, now offers a support group called Understanding Suicide: ASAP (Awareness, Support, Action, Prevention). The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the Rock Island Public Library, 401 19 th Street in Rock Island. The Understanding Suicide group will meet every other Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
The group has been formed to serve individuals who have contemplated or attempted suicide, those coping with the suicide of a loved one and those concerned about a loved one by providing education, resources, support and an opportunity to share and process thoughts and feelings related to suicide. Although a mental health expert will facilitate the group, this is not a therapy group.
"I went through a hardship ten years ago, and I attempted suicide," said Holly Bailey, one of the group's founders. "I wish people would feel more comfortable talking about mental illness?there's still a stigma that's attached to it, leaving people feeling helpless and all alone."
The group's goals include sharing experiences related to suicide, learning suicide's warning signs, understanding the process for helping at-risk individuals, and providing information and knowledge about preventing suicide. For more information, contact Sharon De Frieze at (309) 799-5421.
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