This holiday season, support is available to family members, friends, and coworkers who have survived the emotional impact of having a friend or loved one die by suicide. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, known as Survivor Day, was designated by Congress more than 20 years ago on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year Survivor Day falls on Nov. 21.
“Winter can be really difficult for people, period,” said Employee Assistance Program Manager, Christiana Montminy. “This year, we are going to have to celebrate holidays differently and that can create a lot of complicated and mixed feelings with folks, especially for survivors.”
“There can be stigma involving death by suicide, and it is sometimes hard for survivors to know where they can turn and whom they can talk with for support,” said Montminy. “Survivor Day events are one option for them.”
Each year the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of Survivor Day events around the world—this year they will be supported virtually. Last year, 417 events took place within 26 countries.
To locate a support group, or to join other survivors in Survivor Day events visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at or email. Also feel free to reach out to CGSUPRT at 1-855-247-8778, or contact your local employee assistance program coordinator.