The emotional impact of a loved one or friend who dies by suicide touches many people including spouses, children, family members, friends, and co-workers—these are the survivors of suicide.
Today, at 3:00 Eastern, Lt. William Appel, the chaplain from the Coast Guard Academy, and the Employee Assistance Program Manager, Christiana Montminy, will discuss this difficult topic.
Together the two will identify resources available to survivors, as highlighted by International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, otherwise known as Survivor Day. More than 20 years ago Congress the day and it is recognized on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. This year it falls on Nov. 21.
“This is a day when friends and family of those who have died can gather for healing and support,” said Montminy.
Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of Survivor Day events around the world. To locate a support group, or to join other survivors in Survivor Day events visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://isosld.afsp.org/ or survivorday@afsp.org.
“Many survivors aren't aware that they are far from being alone, and a great deal of support is available, even if provided virtually for physical distancing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Montminy added.
If you would like to see previous Wellness Wednesday recordings, they are available on the CG-11 Coast Guard portal webpage.
Please click this link to attend Wellness Wednesday from your Coast Guard computer, personal computer, or mobile device. Even if you do not have a CVR.mil account, you can still watch the stream via the link above. If you wish to maintain anonymity, log out of your normal (USCG/DOD) CVR account and join as a guest. You may also call (571) 388-3904; Conference ID 453 387 852#. If you have questions or suggestions, you may e-mail us at wellnesswednesday@uscg.mil.