Each person’s experience is unique. While you may share some commonalities in your experiences, no two of you are exactly alike. Consequently, respect and accept both what you have in common with others and what is unique to each of you.
Trauma reactions are not a disease it is a normal reaction to abnormal events, and no “quick fix” exists for what you are feeling. Don’t set a specific timetable for how long it should take you or others to heal.
Feel free to talk about your experiences as a caregiver. However, if someone in the group decides to listen without sharing, please respect his or her preference. We do try to create a welcoming atmosphere and we want you to feel comfortable. If you feel pressured to talk but don’t want to, say so. Your right to quiet contemplation will be respected by the group.
Make every effort not to interrupt when someone else is speaking. Since we are a virtual group, we ask group members to raise their hand so it is visible on video or say your name and wait to be called on if you are on the phone. This alerts the facilitators to know when someone wants to speak. Once a discussion starts, we request that everyone stay on mute unless you are speaking. In certain circumstances, we may need to manually mute an attendee if they are causing an echo or background noise.
Thoughts, feelings, and experiences shared in this group will stay in this group. Respect others’ right to confidentiality. Do not use names of fellow participants in discussions outside the group.
During group, we welcome you to use your loved one’s name so that we can acknowledge them. I also want to acknowledge that I don’t always know what a person is going to come to group needing to talk about, please be forewarned that group members may choose to talk difficult topics, that is not something you will hear me or any other facilitator solicit. We also realize this may be the safest environment for a group member to express how the trauma of experiencing a suicide attempt with their loved one has impacted them and their relationships and we will not shut that down.
We would like to allow each person equal time to express themselves. As facilitators, our job is to keep us on topic and moving forward at times and we may need to redirect to allow others an opportunity to speak. It is not meant to be disrespectful or dishonoring so our hope is that no will take offense if that needs to happen. At the end, if there is enough time we can come back to you.
This group is open to new SOSA Caregivers.
We welcome all caregivers regardless of the relationship, or age of your loved one..
Remember this group is a hybrid group for processing, psychoeducation, and support. We welcome you sharing ideas that helped you if you experienced a similar situation. Avoid “advice giving” unless it is specifically requested by a group member. If advice is not solicited, don’t give it. If a group member poses a question, share ideas that helped you if you experienced a similar situation.
Recognize that thoughts and feelings are neither right nor wrong. Enter into the thoughts and feelings of other group members without trying to change them.