National Survivors of Suicide Day
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) sponsors an annual
program to support families who are bereaved after a suicide called National
Survivors of Suicide Day which will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010.
Full information is available at
www.afsp.org/survivorday. Below is a brief overview:
The day itself was created by U.S. Senate Resolution in 1999, but AFSP
wanted it to be more than a day in name only, so, every year, our
organizations make a new 90 minute pre-filmed broadcast available
for free to any local organization
or group that wants to show it to an audience. The broadcast features a
panel of survivors of suicide loss and a mental health professional.
They speak about their experiences and address the questions that so many
survivors face – Why did this happen? Is there anyone else who understands?
Are my feelings normal? Will my grief and pain lessen? This year, we expect
over 250 cities and towns around the world to show the broadcast on National
Survivors of Suicide Day.
In addition, anyone can watch this broadcast for free online on National
Survivors of Suicide Day from 1-2:30 EST on their home computer and then
take part in an live online chat immediately afterwards. Plus, past
broadcasts can be viewed at anytime at www.afsp.org/survivorday .
We’ve received feedback that indicates that this is a highly valuable aspect
of the program for those who live in rural areas lacking in support groups
or other resources for bereavement.