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The mission of SOSL is to support survivors of suicide loss and educate the community about the prevention of suicide. Our services include:

Support Group Program (learn more »)

Our Support Groups give survivors a place where they are comfortable expressing themselves, a place to find support and hope in a judgment‐free environment. We provide no-fee support groups in seven locations throughout San Diego County. 

Support groups provide a sense of “normalization” for survivors. It is reassuring to hear that others share their fears, their losses, and their many unanswered questions. They learn that the feelings they are experiencing are normal reactions to an abnormal event. By telling his/her story in the group, they begin a process of organizing their thoughts and feelings. It may the first step in gaining an understanding of the “whys”, “why didn’t I, I shouldn’t have” and the “what ifs”. They begin to integrate the loss into their life.

One benefit of support services for those losing a loved one to suicide is monitoring suicide risk after the loss. Postvention is prevention. Given the link between the suicide of a family member and the increased risk for family members, this is a critical benefit. Peer support groups provide healthy role models for grieving survivors and increase social support. Participation in a support group may be the first step in prevention.

Phone Support (learn more »)

Via our support phone (619) 482‐0297 or talk with volunteers who have experienced a loss from the suicide of various relationships such as a spouse/partner, son, daughter, parent, sibling, other family member or friend.

Quarterly Newsletter (learn more »)

It is distributed to over 3,000 people four times a year by mail or electronically. Survivors have told us how helpful our Newsletter is, especially our Holiday Winter Edition that is sent out every November.

Website, www.SOSLsd.org

We provide resources, education, and support through our website. Many of those who receive support from us tell us they found us via our website.

Speakers Bureau (learn more »)

We provide no‐cost training for emergency personnel, law enforcement departments, and crisis volunteers to more effectively communicate with survivors in the critical hours and days after losing a loved one to suicide.

Community Outreach

Our Speakers Bureau also speaks to schools and other organizations about suicide and the prevention of suicide.