The Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit, taking place July 21 - 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, is the only conference of its kind, and one that promises to offer participants invaluable strategies to reflect, grow, and continue to heal.

Tammi Ginsberg, LCPC, a long-term survivor of suicide loss who will be leading a workshop at the Summit, reflects back on her experience as an attendee at a previous summit:

“The Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit was for those of us whose loss was somewhat in the past. Most attendees had lost a loved one at least five years before the conference. This meant that nobody was newly bereaved, and we were able to share our longer-term journeys of healing, and discuss where we were in the process. There were keynote speakers who had a close connection to suicide, as well as amazing breakout sessions ranging from creating to sharing to learning. All of it was healing. There was plenty of time to process the day’s events. This really gave meaning to the idea that healing is a journey with no particular destination and no finish line.

At the conference, I heard a great metaphor for this kind of loss: “The grief of suicide loss is like carrying a 200-pound weight over your head. Over time, the weight stays the same, but our backs get stronger.” Part of that strengthening is community.” Read more of Tammi’s story in AFSP’s Real Stories blog.