International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2023: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is observed on November 18, 2023, the Saturday preceding Thanksgiving. Its purpose is to encourage survivors of this devastating event to unite and offer support. Suicidal deaths have a profound effect on those who knew and were close to the victim. Coping with bereavement and trauma can be particularly challenging for those individuals. This day is dedicated to extending love and support to suicide survivors.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day History
Suicide has been subject to evolving perspectives throughout history. It has elicited both condemnation and condonation, contingent upon the societal context and religious affiliation. It is forbidden in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, but it is tolerated by the Brahmans of India. In ancient Greece, convicted criminals were granted permission to commit suicide, thereby establishing a conditional acceptance of the practice. The principles shifted in Rome as the empire approached its decline.
During the Middle Ages, Western society implemented canon law and subsequently criminal law as measures to reduce the prevalence of suicide. Nevertheless, the societal impact was negligible, given that suicide rates persisted unchanged. Following the French Revolution of 1789, European nations were exempted from criminal penalties for suicidal attempt. However, England did not comply with this development until 1961.
Although there was minimal fluctuation in adult suicide rates in the United States between 1950 and 1980, there was a substantial surge in suicide rates among the younger demographic. Young white males aged 15 to 19 were the most significantly impacted, with a 305% increase, followed by white males aged 20 to 24 by 196%. Officials in the field of mental health were required to increase their knowledge of the societal impacts of alcohol and drugs, mental illness, suicide clusters, and firearm accessibility.
Senator Harry Reid of the United States proposed a resolution in 1999 that resulted in the establishment of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The 1972 suicide death of Reid’s father was a cause near and dear to his heart. It was subsequently introduced into Congress prior to Thanksgiving, a particularly trying time for survivors, in recognition of the situation. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention annually provides financial support for Survivors Day events worldwide, thereby contributing to the promotion of peace.
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FAQs for International Suicide Loss Survival Day
Who is the Survivors Day sponsor?
On Survivors Day, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides funding.
Suicide as a symptom of depression?
The majority of suicide victims suffer from an underlying mental disorder.
In what ways can I contribute to the prevention of suicide?
Asking an individual explicitly whether they are contemplating suicide can frequently spark a conversation and provide solace.
Observing International Suicide Loss Survivors Day
Participate in a Survivors Day celebration
By attending Survivors Day events at UHS, you will have the opportunity to partake in the message of hope and healing. After a shared loss, some of these gatherings feature films and documentaries that address coping with suicide. They illustrate each of the challenging phases—denial, isolation, grief, and the means by which one can recover from the suffering—in detail. Those unable to attend in person may access the program via the following link: www.afsp.org/SurvivorDay.
Draft it out.
A great method to express oneself during difficult times is through the medium of art. Utilize a journal or your computer to transcribe your reflections. This may manifest itself as a journal entry, a poem, or a story. By communicating your emotions, you can gain insight into your own sentiments and the source of them. Transforming a challenging situation into something authentic and lovely can also contribute to a sense of empowerment and mastery.
Attend a grief support group in your area.
Sharing one’s personal experience of suicide with a group can be unsettling, but support groups provide secure environments where individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences. It fosters compassion and understanding as people confront the challenges of surviving it. You will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue and listen to expert opinions who possess the necessary knowledge to assist you in overcoming your personal challenges.
Five Facts Regarding International Suicide Day Survivors
Worldwide fatalities
Nearly 800,000 individuals commit suicide annually.
Nearby residence
Almost half of Americans are acquainted with an individual who has committed suicide.
LGBT society
Attempts at suicide are nearly five times more prevalent among LGBT adolescents.
Each eleven minutes
Suicidal deaths occur every 11 minutes on average.
Optimal suicide rate
Guyana has the highest reported suicide rate.
INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 18 | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 23 | Saturday |
| 2025 | November 22 | Saturday |
