Families and friends of suicide victims are finding help in Utah County.
Seasons Suicide Bereavement Inc. is a mutual help group organized to bring together survivors of a suicide. They are encouraged to help each other develop a healthy understanding of their loss and to work toward recovery.
“This is the only group like it in Utah County,” said Peggy McCausland, co-director of the group. “We want people to come together so we can all work on the same things.”
McCausland considers herself a “mother who is concerned.” She runs the group with Marty Matheson, who is a licensed therapist in mental health.
Matheson said it is important to remember that this is a support group and not group therapy.
“Talking helps identify the pain and releases grief,” Matheson said. “It helps them to realize that they aren’t alone.”
“Teenagers attempt more suicides but succeed less often,” said Shaun Lamb, director of the Provo Crisis Line. “Potential increases as people get older, especially when men and women reach the age of 45.”
Lamb said the number of women that commit suicide steadily increases past 45, where the number of men slowly declines.
Predominantly, those who attempt suicide struggle with mental illness or depression, McCausland said.
McCausland lost her son to suicide 11 years ago and remains sensitive to the issue and saddened by her loss.
“You have so many unanswered questions,” McCausland said. “People need to know that it’s okay to cry.”
The group meets the last Thursday of every month at 7:30 at the West Park Building at 750 N. 200 West, Suite 207. For question call Peggy McCausland at 373-9991 or Marty Matheson at 377-4668. The number for the Provo Crisis Line is 226-4433.
McCausland, Matheson and Lamb all encourage anyone contemplating suicide to seek help immediately.
