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Illinois to Commemorate International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

On November 22, residents across Illinois will come together to observe International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a global initiative aimed at providing support and healing for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Organized by the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this day serves as a vital space for community members to share their experiences, commemorate lost loved ones, and find comfort.

A Day for Connection and Understanding

Angela Cummings, the executive director of AFSP Illinois, underscores the uniqueness of grief when it comes to suicide, acknowledging the profound strength required to navigate such loss. "Survivor Day helps people find understanding and connection through shared experience. It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible," she states. This event aligns with the mission of AFSP to educate the public and create a culture that promotes mental health awareness.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, established by a congressional resolution in 1999, occurs annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The day is particularly poignant as the holiday season can amplify feelings of grief for many. It serves to remind those grieving that they are not alone in their battles.

Events Across Illinois

This year, AFSP Illinois is hosting a series of events throughout the state. There will be ten in-person gatherings and two virtual events designed to welcome all who have experienced a loss due to suicide. Each event offers an opportunity for a shared meal and a time for reflection, ensuring that participants feel supported and understood.

Illinois Survivor Day Schedule

• - November 19, 7 p.m. (EST): Virtual Central Division LGBTQ+ Communities and Allies ISOSLD, hosted by AFSP Central Division
• - November 22: Events vary by location:

- 10 a.m. (CST): Belleville, Heartlinks Grief Center
- 12 p.m. (CST): Bourbonnais, Uplifted Care Grief Center
- 11 a.m. (CST): Chicago, Catholic Charities of Chicago Main Office
- 3 p.m. (CST): Lisle, River Bend Golf Club
- 11 a.m. (CST): Crystal Lake, NAMI McHenry County
- 10 a.m. (CST): Downers Grove, St. Luke Church
- 11 a.m. (CST): Joliet, Trinity Joliet
- 3 p.m. (CST): Roxana, Rox-arena
- 10 a.m. (CST): Schaumburg, Kenneth Young Center
- 10 a.m. (CST): Galesburg, OSF St. Mary Medical Center

• - November 23, 1 p.m. (CST): Virtual Illinois Statewide Survivor Day

Attendees of these events will find not only a place to grieve but also a vibrant community dedicated to bridging the gap between pain and hope. Each gathering is an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues and to share the often unspoken experiences surrounding suicide loss.

The Need for Awareness and Advocacy

Currently, nearly 90% of individuals who complete suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition, which often remains unrecognized or untreated. This statistic highlights the importance of organizations like AFSP, which advocate for mental health awareness, research, and prevention strategies. Through their outreach, AFSP Illinois aims to enhance understanding, promote self-care, and encourage people to seek professional help when needed.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide, it's crucial to reach out for help. The Suicide Crisis Lifeline can be contacted by calling or texting 988. Additionally, more resources are available through their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Conclusion

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is not simply an observance; it is a heartfelt movement uniting individuals in their shared grief, bringing forth messages of resilience, understanding, and hope. AFSP Illinois continues to exemplify compassion and dedication, nurturing a culture that honors those lost to suicide while providing support for those left behind. Together, through shared experiences and advocacy, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and work toward a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.