Support from Clackamas County
Did You Know?
When a person dies by suicide, many people can be affected, such as:
- Immediate and extended family
- Friends, coworkers, and/or classmates
- Teachers, counselors, and/or spiritual leaders
Common feelings people may experience following a death by suicide may include:
- Loss
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Shame
- Rejection
- Anger
- Trauma
- Loneliness
- Confusion
These individuals are also at a higher risk for:
- Major depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Suicidal ideation/behaviors
- Complicated grief
- Stigma
Life After a Death from Suicide
Healing from a suicide loss is very personal, and no one approach works best for everyone. Seek the support and resources that resonate with you. Making meaning out of such a loss can be a long and difficult process, but with time and support, it is possible to find ways to remember and honor your loved one while moving toward healing and acceptance.
When a person dies by suicide, we know from this study that as many as 135 people can be impacted by that one death. This study also emphasized that providing postvention support is crucial to reducing suicide risk for impacted individuals. Postvention is a term that is used to describe an organized response to individuals and/or schools, workplaces, faith based communities and other groups for the purpose of getting resources and support to those that need them following a death from suicide.
Clackamas County Services
When suicide affects our community, Clackamas County provides support to encourage resilience, explore resources, and reduce risk among suicide loss survivors. We call this work Postvention, and it is provided by mental health professionals working at the county’s urgent mental health walk in clinic, Clackamas Mental Health Clinic.
If you or someone you are supporting identify as a suicide loss survivor, please contact the County’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator at gallimur@clackamas.us. You may be asked to provide the name(s) of the person(s) needing support, contact information and their relationship to the deceased.
For time sensitive needs or for immediate attention or support, please use our 24/7 Crisis and Support Line at 503-655-8585.
More information about Clackamas County's services following a death from suicide can be found below.
