Finding Support After Loss
VCOE’s Suicide Prevention Education series concludes with postvention strategies
Pictured (L to R): Gayle Keller, LSCW Suicide Prevention Coordinator; Cynthia Tanner, LCSW COMPACT ACT Coordinator; Ashley Taylor, MS Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator
The Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE) hosted the finale of its four-part workshop series, Awareness to Action: Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business on Tuesday, May 12. The final session, “Postvention: Support for After a Suicide,” was presented by the Portland VA Suicide Prevention Team and offered practical strategies to increase safety and help save lives.
The session opened with Ashley Taylor, the Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator with the Portland VA Suicide Prevention Team, who provided a brief summary of the topics that had been discussed in the last three workshops, including an overview of veteran suicide and the national strategy for preventing veteran suicide, the PACT Act, safe storage of firearms and medications, and creating safety plans.
Gayle Keller, who is also part of the Portland VA Suicide Prevention Team, then took the floor, sharing that suicide loss has a wide range of grief responses. Common feelings include sadness, numbness, and disbelief. Some unexpected emotions may be anger, shame, confusion, guilt, relief, and fear. Grief does not follow a linear path, and at any given time, individuals can experience all these emotions, and even sometimes no emotion at all.
The stigma associated with suicide loss is often very misunderstood. Shame and embarrassment may prevent the survivor from reaching out for help. Family and friends may not know what or how to say or when to provide assistance. This can make navigating loss especially challenging and highlights the importance of compassionate support.
Gayle also discussed the role of providers in this situation. Providers have often been a part of the individual’s care prior to their death. Providers may also go through a variety of emotions when someone has decided to go through with a suicide.
Throughout the session, presenters offered suggestions for coping and processing grief. They encouraged audience members to talk with others about their feelings, recognize that shared experiences can help reduce isolation, and accept support when it is offered. Maintaining regular contact with supportive people can also be an important part of healing.
The session also emphasized remembering those who have passed by sharing meaningful memories and reflections. Talk about positive experiences, as well as—when appropriate—processing thoughts about what felt unresolved or difficult. While these conversations can be emotional and challenging, they can also be an important part of healing and connection.
About Clark's Veterans Centers of Excellence
The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence is dedicated to making Clark College the first choice for veterans, active duty, and military-affiliated students. The center engages, supports, and empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals by coordinating comprehensive services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Offerings include tutoring, academic supplies, quiet study spaces, a computer lab with printers, practical workshops, and more. Learn more at Veterans Center of Excellence (clark.edu).
Photos: Clark College/Kelly Aiello
Story by Kelly Aiello, Program Coordinator, Veterans Center of Excellence