Annual conference on helping those who have lost someone to suicide

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Saturday is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, and an organization in Grand Rapids is hosting an event to help people who have lost someone to suicide.

The West Michigan Suicide Survivors they hold the conference every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Organizers say this time of year, when the holidays are approaching, it can be especially painful when you see empty seats around the table.

This year’s conference focuses on self-care and providing tools that people can use as they grieve. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. Food will be provided and will be free and available to all.

During the conference, you will be able to hear from experts on coping with grief and self-care methods, including methods that go beyond therapy, medications and faith.

Becky Olson, vice president of Survivors of Suicide Loss of West Michigan, said events like these helped her cope after she lost her father to suicide in 2011.

Undated photo of Becky Olson, vice president of Survivors of Suicide Loss of West Michigan, and her father. (Courtesy of West Michigan Suicide Survivors)

“It’s also a time to honor our loved one and ourselves and what we’ve been through before the holiday season begins and next week when there may be an open seat at the 40th or first year table,” Olson said. . “It’s a place where you can find hope and see that others who have been years or months away from loss are finding ways to cope, whether it’s simply by attending the event, using support groups, or knowing that they will see familiar faces year after year.”

You can register for the conference Here.

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