By Kendahl Kivisto
Suicide has been a major issue throughout the globe for decades, but as of recently, the numbers continue to rise. In 2021, there were 1.70 million suicide attempts, which is 14.04 per 100,000 people. While many try to solve the issue of suicide and fight for increased awareness and a cure, numbers continue to rise, and the stigmas surrounding mental health remain. A topic not often recognized of suicide is those who remain after their loved ones succumb to mental illness. November 18th, 2023, is International Suicide Loss Survivor Awareness Day (SLSAD), a day dedicated to those who are left behind by suicide.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is held every Saturday before Thanksgiving, bringing attention to a time when these tragedies seem to increase. According to Awareness Days, the 18th is devoted to, “[bringing] together survivors of suicide loss, [providing] resources for coping with grief, and [reducing] the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.” The idea for SLSAD was originated by Senator Harry Reid in 1999, who wanted to bring attention to the suicide epidemic and support those who have lost loved ones. Since Reid’s idea was introduced to Congress, SLSAD has grown into an international effort organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., losing about 48,183 Americans a year. With proper education, resources, awareness, and empathy, AFSP hopes to decrease these numbers. This year, the AFSP is holding 300+ community events during International Suicide Loss Awareness Day across the globe. Last year, over 6,150 gathered at events from Washington to Singapore, according to an AFSP article released just weeks before this year’s day of awareness. Although suicide is a global issue, there is no one answer to the cause of suicide. Many believe that those suffering from mental illness or personal issues turn to suicide after experiencing feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, desperation, and isolation. A lack of conversation about these issues and the common fear of speaking of suicide is also believed to contribute to the stigmas surrounding suicide.
The University of Wisconsin Green Bay has introduced programs and an array of plans to help students struggling with mental health or the loss of a loved one. They also provide information about resources outside of the campus in the surrounding Green Bay areas. According to Michelle Gauger, a UWGB counselor and leader of the campus “Grief Group,” “At UWGB, the Wellness Center offers free counseling to students. Brown County Community Treatment Services also provides a range of services for those who do not have the financial resources or health insurance to pursue private counseling. Their services include crisis services, outpatient programs, comprehensive community services (CCS), and Community Support Programs (CSP). The latter two are wrap-around programs for those living with serious and persistent mental illness.” These opportunities are made to provide help, support, and information to those in need. Not only are these options available, but Brown County has also released a LOSS program. “LOSS stands for Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors. Each LOSS team includes a therapist and a survivor of suicide. They work with law enforcement to be called to scenes of suicides to provide the family with resources,” stated Gauger.
When asked about healthy coping methods after losing someone to suicide, Gauger explained, “I think it can be helpful to seek professional help after losing someone to suicide. A person’s suicide risk can increase when they lose a loved one to suicide. Support groups can be very helpful as one can meet with others who may understand their loss on a different level from others around them. For some, it is helpful to get involved in suicide prevention to assist others who are in pain. It is important for one to know there is no specific way to grieve.”
UWGB professor emeritus Illene Cupit has also contributed significant work to those struggling with suicide loss, grief, and mental illness. Through Camp Lloyd, a summer day camp that she founded, she works with children struggling with loss. Cupit stated, “Those who survive the death of a loved one by suicide typically have a very tough time because they often engage in self-blame and feel that if their loved one loved them enough, they wouldn’t have died by suicide. We see this in children who attend Camp Lloyd and who are grieving the loss of a loved one in this way”.
While there isn’t yet a cure or universal solution to mental illness, the constant work done by many across the globe helps increase the awareness and action brought to the issue. Suicide is preventable, and something as simple as supporting those you love can make all the difference. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or grief, there are many resources available to build healthy habits, strengthen support systems, and work on self-love and appreciation.