International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day observed today

PLATTSBURGH — Today is the day to remember loved ones on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.

A program will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Alumni Room, Angell College Center, SUNY Plattsburgh by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, New York-Capital Region Chapter.

One does not need to be a survivor of suicide loss to attend.

“We haven’t done it in a number of years. I think the last time I did it was around 2015. It’s been a long time. It’s a day that various places in the world where people who have lost a relative, a friend, a loved one to suicide gather together and actually find support, hope and caring being among people who have experienced it a similar situation. Death by suicide is different from than other losses because typically we ask questions,” Bonnie Black, AFSP Board Member-North Country, said.

What did I miss? How come I didn’t know?

“We take on a lot of guilt,” she said.

“Sometimes, we take on responsibility, all of which are a very different grieving process than just somebody dying. Even an accident that occurs, that would not be expected, it is traumatic. Our brains look for the cause of a death. and with suicide there isn’t always an easy answer as to the cause of death.”

Attendees will watch a 25-minute film that shows the grieving processes for three families in different cultures.

“Then, we have reflective questions that people will definitely consider for themselves, but if they want to voice it we will be facilitating that discussion among our attendees,” Black said.

“We also will honor our own specific people who we’ve lost to suicide. At the end of our time together, we will reflect on the person or people we have been lost to suicide in our lives. Not only lift their name out loud if possible, first name only, but reflect on the joy that they brought us. Maybe at Thanksgiving dinner, a holiday dinner, the last time we went out to eat at a restaurant with them, whatever.”

Light refreshments will be served. Registration is online at: https://plattsburgh-new-york.isosld.afsp.org/

“There will be a lot of material from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” Black said.

“How to support each other, what to look for, and support people who may be having emotional challenges. There is information on our Suicide Bereavement Support Group that meets monthly. There will be a lot of written material, too, for people to reflect on after they go home.”

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