By Donna Kane, MA, CT
The National Suicide Survivor Day for 2025 is on Saturday, November 22. Officially known as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (or simply “Survivor Day”), it is observed annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. What is Survivor Day?
- It is a day dedicated to uniting people who have lost loved ones to suicide.
- It offers a space for connection, understanding, and healing through shared experiences.
Coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide is one of the most painful deaths to grieve for many reasons. This grief is complex and chaotic. It may bring forth waves of sadness, anger, guilt, relief and confusion.
- It is important to acknowledge and understand that grief after suicide is different. Survivors are left with unanswered questions and, often, self-blame.
- Suicide is the result of deep suffering. It does not reflect your self-worth or love. You are not responsible for the choice your loved one made.
- Your feelings are neither right nor wrong. Allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgment. Remember, grieving is intimate and personal. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Try to seek connections with people you trust. Often, a person may feel the desire to insulate themselves due to a fear of being misunderstood or hurt by an insensitive remark. It is important to talk about your loss.
- Process your emotions with family, trusted friends and/or counselors. This can be a painful and difficult journey that may help you to have a better understanding of your loss and your grief.
- Support groups (like those offered by JCS) can help to connect you to others who have experienced a loss by suicide.
- If possible, attend an International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event to share experiences and find support.
Take care of your body and your mind. Grief affects all realms of your being: physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and social. Eat healthy foods, rest as often as needed (grief is exhausting) and limit self-medicating with substances and/or alcohol which can leave you feeling numb and may prolong your grief journey. Mindfulness, meditation, and walking may help to calm you both physically and mentally.
Give yourself time and permission to heal. Your progress will not be linear- some days will be unbearable, and other days will offer moments of peace. Find professional support if you are struggling. There are therapists trained in both trauma and grief. They can help you with all the complexities of losing someone who died by suicide.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. You can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate, confidential support.
If you are interested in learning more about our group, Healing Conversations for Suicide Loss Survivors, please complete our online inquiry HERE. One of our grief clinicians will follow up with you.
Visit jcsbalt.org/grief or call 410-466-9200 for more resources to help you or someone you care about adjust to life after a loss
