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We know that the holidays can be a difficult time for suicide loss survivors. Since 1999, the Saturday before Thanksgiving has been designated as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. On this day each year, individuals affected by suicide join together to support each other and promote healing. For every one life lost to suicide, 135 others are exposed. This means that in the U.S., over 6 million people are exposed to suicide losses each year.
Anyone you encounter may know someone who died by suicide. With this in mind, we are here to share resources to help you or anyone in your life who has experienced a suicide loss. We hope these offerings provide some measure of comfort and support for you.
Best wishes,
The Rocky Mountain MIRECC Team
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports events worldwide for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is Saturday, November 19, 2022.
Here, in the words of past attendees, are ten reasons to attend a Survivor Day event:
1. Because you will find connection.
2. Because you will find a safe, supportive space.
3. Because you will learn that your feelings are normal.
4. Because you will find hope.
5. Because you will learn things to help you cope and heal.
6. Because you will find resources.
7. Because you will help others.
8. Because it can bring you and your family closer.
9. Because Survivor Day films tell stories that resonate and inspire.
10. Because you will find comfort.
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Suicide prevention is a commonly used and understood term. However not everyone recognizes suicide postvention. Suicide postvention builds upon prevention efforts by providing immediate and ongoing support to those impacted by a suicide loss.
Postvention is critical for healing after suicide. USPV provides resources and support for everyone touched by suicide loss. Find resources for community, provider, and workplace postvention, including podcasts, infographics, videos, and organizations.
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This month, reach out to the suicide loss survivors in your life. If you don’t know where to start, USPV offers the following guidance for connecting with a suicide loss survivor.
Connecting with a Suicide Loss Survivor: What You Can Do to Help
Listen
- Be ready, open, and willing to have tough conversation - know that it may take time and keep checking in
- Offer your full attention - focus on listening by asking open-ended questions
- Understand the loss survivor's choices and emotions from their point of view rather than your own
Validate
- Resist the desire to fix, reframe, or advise - try paraphrasing what you've heard in your own words
- There is no timeline on grief - avoid the pull to say that "things will get better"
- Everyone experiences suicide loss differently - what is helpful to you, may not be the same for someone else
Support
- Ask what the loss survivor needs help with and assist with tangible, supportive tasks - bring prepared meals, grocery shop for them, walk their dog
- Relieve some pressure by helping the loss survivor navigate the support resources available to them
- Keep checking in months and years after the loss - holidays, life events, birthday of the person who died, loss anniversaries
Honor
- Show the loss survivor that you remember the person who died - reach out, share memories, proactively remember important dates
- Suggest ways to honor the memory of the person who died - regularly meet at their favorite place, participate in a memorial walk
- Remind the loss survivor you continue to value the life of the person who has died and that they will never be forgotten
Losing someone to suicide can be an extremely painful experience. SRM is available to any provider serving Veterans who would like support surrounding a suicide loss and/or to consult on suicide postvention practices.
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TAPS is a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or Veteran loved one.
TAPS can connect you to a variety of supportive resources, including grief counseling, casework, survivor advocacy, education assistance, and more.
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Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and families who are grieving can share their experiences before and after a death. The Dougy Center provides support and training locally, nationally, and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief.
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The Coalition of Clinician Survivors exists to provide support, education, resources and consultation to mental health professionals and other professional caregivers who have experienced suicide losses in personal and/or professional contexts.
Find information about clinician suicide grief, personal accounts, clinician contacts, and postvention resources on the Coalition of Clinician Survivors website.
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