International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 11/18
Hey 7 Cups Family,
I want to take a moment today to acknowledge and talk about International Survivors of Suicide Day. International Survivors of Suicide Day (or Survivor Day) recognizes friends and family members who have lost a loved one to suicide. It's important for me to touch on my own connection to this day. Many of you don't know that my father died by suicide less than a year ago. As someone who works in the mental health field, has worked on crisis and suicide hotlines and who has personal mental health experience, it was still a big shock and something I never expected. I believe that adding our voices and our stories helps to open the conversation and let others know that they are not alone.
What do I mean by Survivors of Suicide?
- Survivors of suicide are family members and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. This is different from Attempt Survivors who have personally attempted suicide in the past.
What resources are available for survivors of suicide? (*US resources. Please add resources in other countries to this thread!*)
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention holds events around the country on this day. They are also hosting a 90 minute online program today that includes personal stories and discussion on coping and healing after the loss of a loved one.
- NAMI Family Support Groups, NAMI Family to Family Education Course and NAMI Homefront for families of Veterans. These programs are free and fun through NAMI Affiliates throughout the country.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available for family and friends to call. You can talk through your own feelings or talk through warning signs if you suspect someone you know may be thinking about suicide. They are available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
- Survivors of Suicide website has a directory of in-person support groups and other resources for family and friends.
Know of other US resources or resources for survivors of suicide in other countries? Please add below. Let's take a moment to recognize today and keep the conversation going here on 7 Cups.
I am so sorry that you lost your dad last year.
I lost my brother in law to suicide. There isn't a day that goes by that I wish that I had check up on him even when I knew he was depressed. There isn't a day that goes by that I wish that I had contact the police and have him check into a hospital. For someone who been in his place? I should have known something was wrong.
@selfconfidentTangerine1778 my heart pours out to you with feelings of having felt that survivors grief and guilt. It is so difficult to be the one who survives. It is not easy and it sounds like it has been rough for you. There are no easy answers but in my experience I eventually had to admit that I was suffering too and was not as sensitive as I might have been if I was not suffering also. It is always us feeling that we should have known, but they too have responsibility. They should have trusted more and reached out. We cannot know what they were thinking. Too bad they did not tell us and we would have reached out to hug them and show them how much they are loved. Still we miss them dearly but blaming ourselves does not do ourselves justice either. Our own inner child needs to be nurtured. Hope you find the support you are looking for.