As I write this entry, we are getting close to Thanksgiving, and with that comes another day related to suicide. The Saturday before the United States of America’s Thanksgiving is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This day is meant to unite survivors of suicide loss around the world, and many countries and communities have events to remember loved ones and offer support for suicide loss survivors. The AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) is a big sponsor of this day, and their website (afsp.org), is also a great resource for education and information related to suicide.
In the past I have attended events on International Survivors of Suicide Loss day. In fact, where I live there is an event held every year. But, after going for a couple of years I did not feel that I needed to keep attending the events. I think that this decision is personal for everyone. You may want to go only once, or you may want to go every year. Or, you may not ever want to go. However, that is the beauty of these events – they are there if you need them and want to gather with others who have experienced a suicide loss.
What are your thoughts on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day? Do you feel that having a day for suicide loss survivors is a good idea? Do you think it is important? Do you think it is helpful for suicide loss survivors to come together and support others who have had similar experiences? While I don’t always attend an event, I think it is helpful to have a day recognize the (sadly) ever growing group of us who have experienced a suicide loss. It is not a group anyone wants to be a part of, but there is comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our grief.