International Suicide Survivors Day offers support

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Resources and support are available to people who have lost a loved one to suicide to help them cope with grief and healing. Saturday, November 24, was International Suicide Survivors Day, a day designated by Congress for those affected by suicide to come together for healing and support.

Sponsors of this annual event are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Heartbeat Survivors After Suicide.

“It was a blessing to watch someone go through the freshness of grief where they could barely say, ‘I still miss my loved one terribly, every day. But I am learning to find joy and peace in my life,” said Betty Vanthournout, executive president of Heartbeat.

Organizers say El Paso County has had the highest number of suicides in Colorado over the past few years.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can reach 988 by phone, chat or text message 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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