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Dr. Frank Campbell (www.lossteam.com) describes how the LOSSteam was created to provide support (postvention) for those left behind after someone completes suicide.He found through his years of practice people at 
risk for suicide would have reached out for help sooner if they knew where to go. People who did find resources did so through stumbling across available resources.
Childhood and generational issues and the connection with suicide are discussed.
Dr. Campbell shares the challenges of people not familiar with crime scene etiquette showing up to help survivors of suicide.
LOSSteams developed around the need to support survivors of suicide while practicing the appropriate etiquette to avoid contaminating a potential homicide scene.
The stresses the surviving family and loved ones face at the scene are described along with what the LOSSteams can provide in terms of support.
Dr. Melinda Moore’s presentation on posttraumatic growth is woven into the discussion. Those who have recovered from major trauma can gain a sense of the work that needs to be done as a suicide survivor and take on the challenge. In fact, by doing this they might be better able to help others who have survived suicide.
The difference between grief, trauma, and bereavement is presented.
Victor Frankel’s, and Joseph Campbell’s, along with Gestalt therapy and psychodrama’s understanding one can’t think their way through trauma is used to show the need to work through one’s individual trauma with proper support in order to heal. This is especially true when working through day-to-day reminders that can feel insane.
The use of a talisman and healing representing the deceased is shown to be valuable when working to stay connected to self.
Dr. Campbell shows how the survivor can get back into life and feel well.
The LOSSteam members do best just being with the survivor initially, seeing them as they are, and pointing the way towards health without counseling.
The disorientation associated with suicide is compared to the untethered experience of astronauts in the movie “Gravity.”
Dr. Campbell closes discussing the growth that has occurred with LOSSteams in Ohio and the good feeling that goes with it. For more information go to www.lossteams.com.
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