Support
Education
Advocacy
Marsha Chapple
I am NAMI NH because…
I am a survivor of suicide loss who has been bolstered up through the compassion and constant support of this organization. When my son Stefan (17 years old) took his life in 2002 my world and my life abruptly veered down a road to disaster. Why, why, why? I asked. How could this happen to ME? I faced deep depression, guilt, fear and a host of other severe and complex emotions. Except for an online support group, I had nowhere to turn until I found NAMI a couple of years later.
iQ iiiHow did you come to hear about NAMI NH? How involved are you with the organization?
I believe I found them online and called the Concord office. Thankfully when I did make this connection with NAMI NH, I began to experience the compassion and understanding that I desperately needed. The first thing I participated in was a Work Group on youth suicide prevention which helped to shape "Frameworks" now the "Connect Suicide Prevention Program". After that, I took the first Survivors Speakers Bureau Training and have had the opportunity to share Stefan's story at some Postvention Trainings presented by NAMI. I have also volunteered at some events and had my story videotaped along with other survivors. This October 2nd I will be doing the NAMI Walk in Concord. Although these activities have sometimes been difficult and painful they have truly helped to make me stronger and eager to do more.
iQ iii Tell us about your role on the State Suicide Prevention Council.
Due to my association and activities with NAMI I was appointed as the Survivor Representative on the Council which has been a wonderful experience for me. Throughout the state there is an amazing amount of work being done to educate about and prevent suicide. Because of my work schedule it is not feasible for me to be on one of the Council's many subcommittees so I have branched out in my own volunteering initiatives. Working at a hospital I've been able to bring NAMI trainings to the facility and bring awareness to the subject of suicide and the unfair stigma attached to victims, survivors and those seeking help. For several months now I have been an AFSP(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) Field Advocate to NH Legislators. Recently I was asked to contact our legislators to solicit their participation in a Public Service Announcement regarding the subject of depression. Representative Guinta recorded a PSA and I am now distributing it to TV and radio stations around the state.
iQ iii I hear of exciting news. You started a support group for Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) in Manchester. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I was fortunate enough to attend a training for facilitating a support group and am putting that to use in the Greater Manchester area. We meet every second Thursday at 6:30PM at the Brookside Congregational Church (Manning House), 2013 Elm St. Anyone interested in this group may call me at 620-4754 or 232-7606 (or email me at mahshah@comcast.net). All are welcome. In an SOSL Support Group we experience and receive a very special type of support. It comes from being with others who are dealing with the unique aspects of grief that suicide deaths produce. We find that we are embraced by one another, understood and are encouraged to speak freely without the worry of being judged.
iQ iii Summer is almost over. Do you have any plans for the remaining weeks of summer? Any plans for Labor Day weekend?
It's been a busy summer and luckily I've been able to visit Maine and Nantucket. Within a couple of weeks I will probably take my yearly trek to Gloucester and Rockport, MA. - one of my favorite New England areas. Other than that I look forward to the crisp autumn air and my granddaughter's soccer games.
