With the loss of my son on March 15, 2015 my life changed in a way I never would wish for anyone.
Being mostly home-bound I am unable to bring awareness in a way I would like to, but I have this blog. I try to keep it all about the books except for a couple of days a year when I feel I need to use this platform and my voice to shine a light, bring awareness, to a cause that has become so important to me and my family. Suicide Prevention.
TODAY IS Survivor Day
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
A year ago I knew nothing about Survivor Day, last year at this time I wouldn’t have been ready for a day like this. It breaks my heart that a day like this exists.
Today I am sharing so that other survivor’s know about this day but also sharing because if you are in crisis and you think suicide is an answer to your problems you need to reach out and get help. People are ready to listen. They are ready to support you in any way you need. Just reach out. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Call your parents, call a friend, call your grandma, your sister, your brother, your aunt, your uncle, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Don’t give up! We are here to help.
About Survivor Day
Survivor Day is the one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather around the world at events in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope.
All gatherings will include a screening of Life Journeys: Reclaiming Life after Loss, a new AFSP-produced Survivor Day documentary that traces the grief and healing journey that follows a suicide loss over time.*
Additional programming is specific to each event and may include presentations by loss survivors and mental health professionals, as well as small group discussions that bring together people who have experienced similar losses.
For more info or to find an event near you – https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/survivor-day/
Unable to attend an event in person?
Join us for Survivor Day Live. On November 19, AFSP will host a 90-minute online program for those who cannot attend a Survivor Day event in person.
The program will include a screening of the documentary Life Journeys: Reclaiming Life after Loss; a post-screening discussion on coping and healing after a suicide loss; and a Q&A with online viewers.
When?
Saturday, November 19
Start: 1:00 p.m. Eastern (U.S.); 12:00 p.m. Central; 11:00 a.m. Mountain; 10:00 a.m. Pacific
End: Approx. 2:30 p.m. Eastern
Who?
Shannon Donnick, AFSP’s Loss & Healing Programs Manager (moderator)
Dionne Monsanto, suicide loss survivor and volunteer with AFSP’s New York City chapter
Clarena Tobon-Guevara, suicide loss survivor and volunteer with AFSP’s Central Texas chapter
Al-x Gonzales, suicide loss survivor and volunteer with AFSP’s Greater San Francisco chapter
How?
We’ll be using the YouTube Live system, which allows for live viewing and real-time viewer participation.
If you do not wish to ask questions during the broadcast, simply go to afsp.org at 1pm ET on the 19th.
If you would like to ask questions during the broadcast, you will need a YouTube account and channel. We recommend setting these up ahead of time.
To set up a YouTube account, follow these instructions.
Once you have an account, set up a channel by following these easy instructions.
A note about the films
These films are appropriate for most middle and high school–aged children to watch with a guardian. They are not intended for children under 12, or for children or adolescents who are currently struggling or suicidal. Guardians, please use your best judgment when deciding whether to let those in your care view these films.
Please note that if you cannot join us live, you will be able to watch the recorded program at your convenience on this webpage afterwards.
If you have additional technical questions, please email hmoch@afsp.org
This year I am going to try to watch. I have also bookmarked the page because there are other films to watch from previous years.
If you are a Survivor please share.
If you would like to help raise awareness for Suicide Prevention, please share this post anywhere you can.
Together we can make a difference!
THANK YOU!!
Lori
Deepest sympathies and sharing this information…thank you for your efforts.
Thank you Kathleen.
So sorry for what you continue to go through! I recently participated in a suicide awareness walk in Sacramento with my son and daughter-in-law! She had a cousin who committed suicide. It’s hard to imagine what survivors go through! Hugs to you!!
I’m so sorry- you and your family are in my thoughts.
Thank you Samantha.
When I was a high schoolor junior high teacher or librarian, suicide prevention was always on mind. I thought of it often even when I worked in an elementary school but since my retirement, I had allowed any work towards spreading the word die until you reminded me that it isn’t something we can set aside. For so many of us, you are the reason we keep spreading the word. You are doing good work as you deal with your terrible loss.
Thanks Jeanie!!