International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, it was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those impacted by suicide loss could come together for healing and support. Each year, Survivor Day falls on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, to offer warmth and connection during a time of year that is often difficult for suicide loss survivors.

In addition to sponsoring hundreds of in-person events across the globe for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, AFSP also hosts two virtual events for survivors of suicide loss: Día de Esperanza and Survivor Day Live.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (In Person)

While Survivor Day activities vary based on location, most include watching an AFSP-produced film followed by group discussions that encourage people to share their experiences, talk about their loved ones, or simply listen to others who understand the unique pain of suicide loss. Part of what makes Survivor Day events special is that they’re flexible. Throughout the event, you decide how much or how little you participate and share, and which activities you do or do not want to join. At any point, and as often as you like, you can step out and take a break –– or you can stay for the whole event. It’s entirely up to you, your comfort level, and what you find most helpful.

Find an event near you.

Día de Esperanza (Virtual)

This year, Día de Esperanza will air 4 p.m. EST Friday, November 20, on Facebook and YouTube. There’s no need to register — at the time of the event, just click either link. 

Día de Esperanza takes place the Friday before International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This event includes a Spanish-language panel discussion about perspectives on mental health and suicide loss in Hispanic and Latinx culture. Moderated by María de los Ángeles Corral, AFSP’s Vice President of Public Relations, the discussion will feature suicide loss survivors Dr. Nancy V. Brown, Vanessa Ayala Medina, and Rodolfo Beltran. They will share their experiences navigating grief, guilt and self-blame, and finding hope and joy after loss. Dr. Rafis Nin, a member of AFSP’s National Loss and Healing Council, will provide opening remarks.

You can watch previous Día de Esperanza recordings on our YouTube playlist.

Survivor Day Live (Virtual)

This year, Survivor Day Live will air 7 p.m. EST Saturday, November 21, on Facebook and YouTube. There’s no need to register — at the time of the event, just click either link.

For this year’s event, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal will share her own journey through lived experience and suicide loss. During her presentation, she will explore a phrase often shared in prevention settings — “suicide is preventable” — and the difficult questions it can raise for those who have lost someone to suicide. Dr. Freedenthal will reflect on the complexity of suicide and the reality that suicide cannot always be prevented — an important and compassionate message for suicide loss survivors. 

Stacey Freedenthal, Ph.D., LCSW, is a psychotherapist, educator, and nationally recognized expert in suicide loss and grief. She is the author of Helping the Suicidal Person and Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts, and the founder of the widely used resource website Speaking of Suicide. An associate professor at the University of Denver, Dr. Freedenthal works across clinical practice, academia, and public education to support individuals and families affected by suicide loss with compassion, insight, and care.

In past years, Survivor Day Live has featured a panel discussion among suicide loss survivors, who each share their unique experiences and healing journeys. You can watch previous panel recordings on our YouTube playlist.

L.E.T.S. Survive Suicide Loss: A Survivor Day Live Event for Black and African American Communities (Virtual)

This event will air 4 p.m. EST Tuesday, November 17, on Facebook and YouTube. There’s no need to register — at the time of the event, just click either link.

L.E.T.S. Survive Suicide Loss is a Survivor Day Live event created by and for Black and African American suicide loss survivors. Through a panel discussion featuring suicide loss survivors, participants will learn about personal stories of loss, grief, and healing, gaining insight into the unique experiences of those who have lost someone to suicide.

Moderated by Victor Armstrong, AFSP Vice President for Health Equity & Engagement, the panel will feature Chester Gregory, award-winning actor, singer, speaker, and coach; T-Kea Blackman, executive director and co-founder of Black People Die By Suicide Too; Doug Middleton, wellness entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and former NFL athlete; and Dionne Monsanto, grief coach, speaker, author, yoga teacher, and dance teacher. This event offers an opportunity to feel a sense of connection through the shared experiences of others through a culturally affirming discussion.