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Suicide support group at Monongahela Valley Hospital looks to fill void

Tribune-Review (Greensburg, PA) - 2/1/2015

Feb. 01--Perceiving an unmet need in the sections of Fayette, Washington and Greene counties where he works, psychologist Sam Lonich will lead a new suicide bereavement support group at the Monongahela Valley Hospital starting next week.

"It's my area of interest and professional expertise," said Lonich, a hospital staff member.

A licensed psychologist, Lonich formerly chaired the psychology department at California University of Pennsylvania. He has worked extensively in private practice with suicide survivors.

"Working with some clients, I thought and believe there is a need," he said.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, about 40,000 Americans die by suicide annually.

Left to grapple with the traumatic shock are survivors, some of whom encounter cultural, religious or social taboos that can make the grieving process difficult, Lonich said.

It can be stressful, he said, to try to rebuild one's life while trying to understand the reasons for and cope with a loved one's suicide.

"What we are hoping the group provides is a sense of community and support for survivors," Lonich said.

Goals include offering a sounding board and providing general information.

Some survivors find themselves struggling years after a suicide, Lonich said.

"Some research I've done, it's not unusual that five, seven, 10 years later people come to a group, or they have been in a group that long. It's not just for (recent) survivors," he said.

Those attending will be welcome to share their stories and feelings with fellow survivors, or simply sit quietly and listen, Lonich said.

Donna Hatalowich, nurse health educator at Mon Valley Hospital, worked with Lonich to help coordinate the new effort.

"He contacted the hospital and asked if we could partner with him for this program," Hatalowich said.

The free, informal sessions will be held at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays, beginning Feb. 9 through May, in the hospital's Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center.

Lonich has worked with the Westmoreland County Suicide Prevention Task Force and noted its monthly support group L.O.S.S. -- Loved Ones Stolen by Suicide -- was begun by two survivors.

Beth Crofutt and Jill Kowaleski are co-facilitators of the group, sponsored by Mental Health America of Westmoreland County. Both lost their husbands to suicide.

"Sometimes people don't say much at all. Even just listening in the early stages can be helpful. You learn from other members," Crofutt said.

"Once you are there and you start to feel safe and begin to share what you are going through and it's accepted, that's where the healing happens," she said.

Lonich said the hospital has notified area clergy and funeral directors about the new resource. They can refer family members or friends who might need an outlet for their grief.

"I describe it as a journey. There are ups and downs, speed bumps. Obviously, there is a sense of abandonment and isolation. Sometimes we see shame or embarrassment. Sometimes people ask themselves, or people ask survivors, 'Didn't you see this coming?' or 'Couldn't you have done something?'"

"The answer is 'no,' more often than not," Lonich said.

Those interested in the Monongahela Valley Hospital program are asked to register by Friday by calling Lonich at 724-268-1144.

Mary Pickels is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com.

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