This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day takes place on November 18. On that day, also known as Survivor Day, those who have lost a loved one to suicide gather at events around the world to find hope through shared experience.

People who attend Survivor Day events find that the connections they make are central to their healing journeys. Joining a community of people who have also been affected by suicide enables many participants to better understand their own loss, hear about coping strategies that have helped others, and learn of resources that can support them through their grief.

In an article for AFSP’s Real Stories blog, chapter volunteer Heidi Bogers wrote about her experience losing multiple family members to suicide, and shared the lessons that have helped her heal. For Heidi, one important step toward healing was attending a Survivor Day event:

"My husband and I found it so encouraging to be with other people who have been affected by suicide. Since that time, we have both become active in planning and leading these events through our local AFSP chapter. The multiple losses my family experienced have given me a purpose and drive to help others. I am proud to say that I am currently the event manager for the local International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event here in central Iowa."

Heidi is just one of thousands of participants who have found hope through Survivor Day events, and who find continued support and encouragement through those events each year. We hope you'll join Heidi and others like her at a Survivor Day event near you on Saturday, November 18.