International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is observed on the Saturday before thanksgiving; therefore, this year is on Saturday November 23th, 2021. This day has been declared as a day of healing throughout the world, for all those families that have been impacted by suicide loss. When someone loses a loved one due to suicide, it had a very negative impact on those that loved and cared for them. Grief in general is something difficult to deal with, and when you lose someone to suicide, this grief is much more difficult to deal with. This day allows them the opportunity to connect with those who have similar stories and be able to share their experiences and offer each other hope, encouragement and support.
Suicide has both been condemned and condoned depending on religion and has been viewed differently over time. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are against it, while in India, the Brahmans tolerate it. In Greece it was acceptable on a conditional basis. Someone could commit suicide if they were convicted of crimes. To decrease suicide in the middle ages in Western society, they used canon laws and criminal laws. Suicide rates among younger people significantly increased in the U.S. from 1950-1980. As a result, mental health officials needed to broaden their understanding of the roles and impact that mental illness, drugs and alcohol, and suicide cluster had on society.
In 1999, US Senator Harry Reid’s resolution led to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This happened after Reid had lost his father to suicide in 1972 and this incident impacted his heart greatly.
Since the intent of this day was for healing for those that have been impacted by suicide, many survivors find such a deep connection with other individuals that have had similar experiences. This allows them to realize that they are not alone. People are encouraged to talk about suicide and being able to process the grief in a safe, trusted space, as it is very instrumental in the healing process. By finding a site or a nearby event, it allows individuals to connect with survivors within their community and find different resources that assists in their healing process of the loss they experienced due to suicide. By doing so, it offers insight on how fellow survivors have contributed to positive changes. In addition, it provides them with education on how they can save lives from suicide. These sites offer resilience, connection and encourage growth to survivors.
Suicide leaves such a mark on the families and loved ones and been found to be extremely difficult to do. Let us not only raise awareness for suicide but also give our support to those that have experienced a loss due to suicide and survive. Let us let them know they are not alone and that they can and will get through this with the support of those that are around them and with those have been through similar experiences.
