Edward Shneidman is considered the “Father of Suicidology” and first used the word “Psychache” — the ache of the soul, overwhelming pain, loss of hope; therefore, suicidal ideation to relieve the pain. Most people have been affected by suicide in some way. Those who are survivors of suicide loss deserve support and care every day.

A grief support group for Survivors of Suicide (SOS) begins Thursday, April 10, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood St., Waynesville. The group will meet the second Thursday of every month. It is for those grieving the death of someone who died by suicide.

The group will provide a space for people to be seen and heard as they speak about the unspeakable with other people who truly understand and care. It is not to take away the pain or grief or guilt but to help people work through these — normalize the grief process — a group of support and compassion. “The medicine is in the shares.”

Facilitator Marion Klingler, Grace Church in the Mountains parishioner, said, “John and I lost our 27-year-old son, Mitchell, on Feb. 13, 2016. We were members of a (30 year old) SOS support group in Raleigh for several years and received much comfort. Now we would like to share our experience and hope with our new friends here in Haywood County. We were facilitators of Al-Anon and Nar-Anon groups in the Raleigh area for several years, and I am a retired school counselor, so we are coming to this situation both as peers and experienced facilitators.”

The Klinglers may be contacted at grace.sos.wvl.gmail.com.