Suicide support group to meet this fall

With suicide on the rise within the agriculture community, the Farm Family Resource Initiative is launching an open support group for farmers and farm family members 18 years and older who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group will meet monthly and the meetings will be held virtually.

Survivors of suicide loss share a singular bond. While each situation is different, those who have lost a loved one to suicide tend to experience similar feelings and stages of grief, and have similar questions. Support groups provide an opportunity to meet others who understand and are willing to share.

The group will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30-4:30 p.m. beginning November 2. To attend, email discussion leader Bonnie Landwehr. There is no charge to participate.

Landwehr is a licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health program supervisor with SIU Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. She and her husband farm in Macoupin County.

For questions or to register, please contact Bonnie at 217-757-8115 or via email at blandwehr54@siumed.edu.

Find more information about the FFRI’s programs to assist farmers at siumed.org/farm.