The deep importance of talking to people who understand your feelings is echoed by almost all survivors who have had the experience of going to groups.

"Groups allow us to share our grief."

"We can overcome stigma and shame there."

"It's a safe environment in which to share pain."

"It reinforces our self-esteem."

"It gives us support models."

"It tells us that grief is okay."

"Mutual support helps us to deal with the myth that "If if only I'd done something different, made him feel more loved - he'd have lived."

"It helps to cry and not have people stop everything they're doing."

"People need to know they're not crazy. The group gets rid of our fears about behavior and fears about having fears."

Silent Grief Living in the Wake of Suicide by Christopher Lukas and Henry Seiden