Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.

In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors. Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention supports hundreds of large and small Survivor Day events around the world. In addition to sponsoring in-person events across the globe for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, AFSP hosts two virtual events for survivors of suicide loss, Survivor Day Live and Día De Esperanza. Survivor Day Live takes place on the Saturday of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The event features a panel discussion featuring suicide loss survivors’ experiences and healing journeys. Día de Esperanza/Day of Hope takes place on the day before International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This event includes a Spanish language panel discussion about the perspectives on mental health and suicide loss in Hispanic and Latinx culture.

Links:
Survivors of Suicide Loss Day