Survivor Day for International Suicide Loss: Coping with Grief, Recovery, and Supportive Resources

Honoring the Lives of Loved Ones Lost to Suicide and Navigating the Complexities of Bereavement

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is a yearly observance in November, established by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) , for those who have lost someone to suicide. The day brings together survivors of suicide loss to share stories of healing, hope, and grief related to their loss. Participation in related events on this day can be fulfilling and impactful for those who have been affected by suicide or want to support suicide prevention efforts.

Observing International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, also known as Survivor Day, is observed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving annually. People typically attend an event organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to honor the date. You can find local events through the search tool on the AFSP website .

Suicide claimed more than 45,000 lives in the US in 2020, making it the twelfth leading cause of death. However, despite these statistics, there is hope. 93% of US adults believe suicide can be prevented and hope to take steps to support this goal. Survivor Day can raise awareness around suicide prevention and provide resources for healing and support for those who have experienced this type of loss. Some ways to observe Survivor Day include:

• Educating yourself and others about suicide prevention
• Attending a suicide prevention march, such as National Suicide Prevention Day and National Suicide Prevention Month, or other events
• Donating to organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Honoring the memory of a loved one lost to suicide
• Attending a support group
• Practicing self-care

Losing a loved one to suicide is a traumatic experience for most people. Survivor Day seeks to connect survivors and their loved ones for support and promote more awareness around this difficult subject.

Raising Awareness for Suicide Prevention

One of the aims of Survivor Day is to promote awareness of suicide prevention. Senator Harry Reid championed some of the first large-scale efforts toward suicide prevention in the US in 1997, following the loss of his father to suicide. He introduced Senate Resolution 84 in his memory, which recognized suicide as a national issue and declared its prevention a national priority. Harry Reid also played a crucial role in establishing suicide hotlines and collaborated with the AFSP on suicide prevention initiatives.

The AFSP advocates for community engagement to increase awareness of suicide statistics and topics to ensure that people know there is support available to them. They recommend the following actions:

• Participating in a public policy event to discuss suicide prevention with government officials
• Collaborating with the AFSP on Project 2025 , an initiative to reduce suicide rates by 2025 through healthcare, policy, and corrections systems
• Connecting with a local AFSP chapter
• Regularly checking in on your mental health and that of your loved ones

Managing Grief After the Loss of a Loved One to Suicide

Losing a loved one to suicide can trigger symptoms of grief , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , anxiety , depression , and other mental health conditions. Understanding how grief can manifest and learning how to support yourself and your loved ones can be helpful in the healing process.

Common Elements of the Grieving Process

While the traditional model of the five stages of grief is now starting to be considered outdated , the following emotions are often experienced by those grieving a loss. Keep in mind that grief is a highly individual process, and the order, severity, and duration of these emotions may vary widely:

• Shock
• Denial
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Anger
• Shame and guilt
• Acceptance

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It is important to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms that can be harmful to you and others. If you’re struggling to cope with grief, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial.

Recognizing Traumatic Grief and PTSD

Grief resulting from a loss by suicide is often considered a traumatic form of grief. Symptoms of traumatic grief may include hypervigilance, reliving memories or mental images of the event, nightmares, depression, anxiety , and other symptoms similar to those that commonly present with PTSD.

Some people develop these conditions after experiencing a loss by suicide, while others find that their symptoms largely subside by the time they reach the acceptance stage of the bereavement process. Seeking help from a mental health professional about any symptoms you’re experiencing may be beneficial.

Coping Strategies for Grief

Everyone processes loss differently, but some tips below may be helpful in healthily moving through grief after losing a loved one to suicide. Seeking help from a mental health professional is recommended if you exhibit signs of complicated grief , depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition.

• Honor the memory of your loved one
• Join a support group
• Practice self-care
• Connect with the memory of your loved one in therapy
• Talk to a compassionate grief counselor
• Reach out to a mental health professional

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day aims to bring awareness to suicide prevention, provide support, and promote healing for those affected by a loss by suicide. If you need immediate help, please refer to the crisis resources below.

Get Help Online

Online therapy, also known as e-therapy or teletherapy, offers numerous benefits for those seeking mental health support. Online therapy provides convenient access to professional help from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for travel or time off work. This accessibility can be especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those who simply prefer the privacy and flexibility of virtual therapy. Additionally, online therapy can be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, as therapists may offer lower rates due to reduced overhead costs. Online therapy also enables clients to choose from a wider range of therapists, as they are not limited to those in their immediate geographical area. Platforms like ReachLink are a great option when seeking this type of care. Overall, online therapy offers a flexible, convenient, and accessible way to receive professional mental health support.

Crisis Resources

If you are in crisis, the following organizations are available to support you:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to 741741
• National Domestic Violence Hotline : 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Veterans Crisis Line : Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQIA+): (866) 488-7386
• SAMHSA National Helpline for substance use: (800) 662-4357
• National Eating Disorder Association Helpline : 1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM – 9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM – 5 PM EST)