| National Survivors of Suicide Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | United States |
| 2011 date | November 19 |
| 2012 date | November 17 |
| 2013 date | November 23 |
The National Survivors of Suicide Day is designated by the United States Congress as a day when the friends and family of those who have committed suicide can join together for healing and consolation. This day always falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.[1] The day is sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).[2]
In 1999, Senator Harry Reid introduced a resolution to the United States Senate which led to the creation of the National Survivors of Suicide Day.[3][4] Reid proposed the designation after his father committed suicide.[5]
Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors the National Survivors of Suicide Teleconference, which occurs on the same day as National Survivors of Suicide Day.[6] This live telecast presents scientific information, as well as panel symposiums, about suicide.[7]
After a nationwide broadcast, local groups have meetings that give survivors a chance to tell their stories to others.[8] These conferences allow survivors to share and understand the strong feelings they are enduring.[9]
In 2009, the teleconference highlighted the Out of Darkness walk at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois. Internationally, thousands of people in 175 cities viewed the broadcast.[10]
According to Christopher Lukas, a speaker at the 2009 Westchester County, New York conference, 30,000 Americans commit suicide annually, leaving about seven million relatives and friends behind.[1] At the conference, Lukas reminded the survivors that they could grieve but they should not blame themselves for the deaths of those who committed suicide. Lukas emphasized that suicides occur due to sickness or depression; there is little a survivor could have done to prevent the suicide.[1]