INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY
Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (ISOSLD) unites survivors of suicide loss. It’s a day to help survivors around the world cope with the tragedy of losing someone to suicide.
Each year, nearly 800,000 people around the world feel their life is so hopeless that they commit suicide. For those between the ages of 15 and 24, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world. In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all ages. It takes the lives of 48,500 people every year. About 285,000 people become suicide survivors. Depression is the primary reason they commit suicide.
It’s very difficult for suicide survivors to cope with such a loss. Survivors often feel despair, shock, guilt, denial, shame, anger, confusion, and loneliness. Some survivors might even feel relief. As they go through the grieving process, it’s important to accept each and every emotion. Survivors should also try to take care of themselves. They should get enough sleep and eat healthy meals. Doing so will help provide the strength to cope. Joining a support group and seeking professional help are also ways for survivors to cope.
HOW TO OBSERVE #SurvivorDay
Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports ISOSLD events around the world. During these events, survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection and hope through their shared experiences. The AFSP also produces a documentary each year that discusses suicide loss. Besides the United States, events are held in Australia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Russia, Kenya, and other countries.
To participate:
- Reach out to someone you know who has lost someone to suicide.
- Learn about ways to prevent friends, family and loved ones from committing suicide.
- If you’ve been having suicidal thoughts, ask someone for help.
- Watch a documentary produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Share this day on social media with #ISOSLD or #SurvivorDay
INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE DAY HISTORY
In 1999, Senator Harry Reid introduced a resolution for a National Survivors of Suicide Day. Reid’s father had committed suicide in 1972. The day became known as Survivor Day. It was agreed upon that the day would always fall on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This is due to the fact that the holidays are a very difficult time for suicide survivors. The whole world eventually embraced this event, which led to it being called International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
DATES:
19 November 2022
18 November 2023
23 November 2024
22 November 2025
21 November 2026
20 November 2027
18 November 2028
17 November 2029
23 November 2030
22 November 2031
