WASHINGTON — It was 15 years ago that Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada introduced
a measure that set aside the Saturday before Thanksgiving as “National
Survivors of Suicide Day.”
He was acknowledging in part, the death of his own father to suicide in 1972.
But this special day, observed on Saturday where friends and family of those
who’ve taken their own lives come together for hope, healing and support, has
now spread to other countries, and has been renamed to “International Survivors of Suicide
Loss Day.”
“The is the day that survivors all around the world and in this country can
join together and gain a better understanding about suicide and help each
other get through the loss of the suicide of a loved one,” says Peggy
DiVincenzo, a licensed professional counsel.
She’s on the board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (National
Capital area chapter). DiVincenzo says on Saturday there are gatherings in
every state across the U.S. and in countries around the world, including
Chile, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia — “all the four corners of the
world; it’s become that much of an event,” she says.
DiVincenzo says Suicide Loss day has grown because of
its effectiveness in helping people de-stigmatize suicide and to let those
left behind know they are
not alone.
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