Devastation and despair hit my home community as we discovered a pastor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist ended his own life to escape the pain and hurt of this world. Questions flooded the lives of close family, friends, and the church community. “What if?” “Why?” “How?”
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The Impact of Suicide Loss
Every suicide is a tragedy. It has a ripple effect that impacts families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease, study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.
The pain, guilt, shame, and despair of survivors of suicide loss are real. It is apparent in their day-to-day lives. However, it isn’t discussed much in mainstream media.
As the holidays are quickly approaching, the absence of loved ones who died by suicide may open up old or fresh wounds. To support survivors of suicide loss, there is a day set apart to focus on unity and healing.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, (ISOSLD or Suicide Loss Day) as an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experiences. Senator Harry Reid, who had lost his father to suicide, established Suicide Loss Day in 1999, and it has been observed every Saturday before Thanksgiving of each year.
Every year, Suicide Loss Day occurs in November as a day to highlight those who live with the memories and hurt of losing a loved one to suicide.
To commemorate, CHMI wants to stand with you. We celebrate the steps you’ve taken to heal. We celebrate how you are wading through the grief of losing someone you love. It wasn’t easy. It may still not be easy, but we are here to join you on this journey and share messages of hope:
You are not alone
Suicide can be isolating. Family members and communities of friends struggle to understand what they’ve all experienced. However, it is vital to connect with others in memory of a loved one who died by suicide and how it has impacted your life. Your feelings are valid. Speaking with friends, families, and mental health professionals ensures a healthy community despite adversity.
It is not your fault
Feelings of guilt following suicide are very common. We have the mistaken belief that we should have, could have, and would have prevented the death from happening. Reality is: we can not predict the future or fully understand the intentions of another person’s actions. While we may not be able to go back in time, we can always learn what signs to look for to prevent future suicide in our societies.
Healing takes time
Grief is complicated. Rather than trying to get over it, the aim is to grow through it. Everyone has their own coping mechanism. Extend yourself grace and allow time and space to heal that is specific to you. Whether it takes days, weeks, months, or years, let’s cherish the memories of our loved ones and seek to take care of our mental health as well. Seeking mental health care also helps us to achieve healing one step at a time.
Resources for Survivors of Suicide Loss
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides many resources for survivors of suicide loss. This year, let’s join the fight against suicide. Let’s join support groups with other survivors of suicide loss or attend virtual or in-person events to bring awareness. Whatever you decide to do, please know that it makes a difference in your life and the lives around you. Together we will heal and thrive in hope.
If you or anyone you know may be in suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis in the US, please call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
For International countries, please find the suicide hotline on this directory.
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Check out our other blog posts to learn more about living a mentally healthy life as a Christian.
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