Today is International Day of Survivors of Suicide

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

The program will be held from 10:00 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.

You do not have to be a suicide survivor to attend the meeting.

“We haven’t done this for many years. I think the last time I did this was around 2015. It’s been a long time. It is a day when people in different places around the world meet who have lost a loved one, friend or loved one to suicide and actually find support, hope and care among people who have experienced a similar situation. Death by suicide is different from other losses because we tend to ask questions,” said Bonnie Black, AFSP North Country board member.

What did I miss? Why didn’t I know?

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

“Sometimes we take on responsibility, and that all means a completely different grieving process than simply someone dying. Even an unexpected accident is traumatic. Our brain searches for the cause of death. and in the case of suicide, there is not always an easy answer to the question of the cause of death.

Participants will watch a 25-minute film presenting the mourning process of three families in different cultures.

“Then we have reflection questions that I’m sure people will consider for themselves, but if they want to express them, we’ll facilitate that discussion among our participants,” Black said.

“We will also honor our specific loved ones who we have lost to suicide. At the end of our time together, we will reflect on the person or people we have lost to suicide. If possible, don’t just say their name out loud, just their name, but reflect on the joy they have brought us. Maybe during Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, the last time we went out to a restaurant with them, whatever.

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

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

“How to support yourself, what to pay attention to and support people who may have emotional problems. There is information about our Suicide Bereavement Support Group which meets monthly. There will also be plenty of written material for people to reflect on when they get home.”