Survivors of suicide group offers hope
Local residents run SOLOS (Survivors of Loved Ones Suicide), which is a support organisation not only for survivors of suicide but for anyone whose life has been touched by suicide.
THE consequences of a suicide are far-reaching, and while the tragedy means the loss of a precious life, the shock and grief also have far-reaching consequences for the family and loved ones left behind. Caring for and supporting someone who has lost a loved one to suicide can be difficult. Many feel unable to provide support and struggle to understand the depth of distress.
That’s where uMgeni Park resident, Joy Chiang, comes in. She runs SOLOS (Survivors of Loved Ones Suicide), which is a support organisation not only for survivors of suicide but for anyone whose life has been touched by suicide.
Northglen News recently spoke to Chiang who said there had been an increase in suicides in the North Durban area since the beginning of 2017.
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She said a large part in suicide prevention was acknowledging mental health. According to statistics, a majority of people who experience a mental illness do not die by suicide, however, of those who die from suicide, more than 90 per cent have a diagnosable mental disorder’.
Chiang, who is also a member of the Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team (DNUCT), began her work as a trauma de-briefer in 2007.
“A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted. Our group is about creating a ‘safe’ environment. Because of the stigma that unfortunately still exists with suicide, it can be difficult to find people who really understand and are not judgmental. I encourage suicide survivors or families who have lost loved ones to suicide to join a suicide support group. It is an extremely important part of the healing process,” Chiang said.
The monthly support group meetings take place on the first Monday of every month at the Pam Golding offices on 2 Swapo Road (Broadway) and in Glenwood, 171 Bulwer Road on the third Monday of every month.
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