International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

A recent panel discussion on suicide awareness in the fire service emphasized the mental health challenges faced by firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and moderated by the IAFF’s Charmaine Nero, the panel included Lauren Kosc, LCPC, NCC; Capt. Brandon Dreiman, CAPRC, of the Indianapolis Fire Department, and Lexipol Strategic Wellness Director Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD.

The discussion highlighted the reality that firefighters are at a significantly higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors due to the intense and often traumatic nature of their work. Full Article binged.it/3Za2O2m

Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (ISOSLD) unites survivors of suicide loss. It’s a day to help survivors around the world cope with the tragedy of losing someone to suicide.

Each year, nearly 800,000 people around the world feel their life is so hopeless that they commit suicide. For those between the ages of 15 and 24, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world. In the United States, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all ages. It takes the lives of 48,500 people every year. About 285,000 people become suicide survivors. Depression is the primary reason they commit suicide.0:05

It’s very difficult for suicide survivors to cope with such a loss. Survivors often feel despair, shock, guilt, denial, shame, anger, confusion, and loneliness. Some survivors might even feel relief. As they go through the grieving process, it’s important to accept each and every emotion. Survivors should also try to take care of themselves. They should get enough sleep and eat healthy meals. Doing so will help provide the strength to cope. Joining a support group and seeking professional help are also ways for survivors to cope.

Survivors Guilt

Survivor’s guilt is a difficult emotion to navigate through, especially for first responders, because they’re more inclined to experience a heightened amount of traumatic events compared to the general population.

Feeling lucky to be alive is an emotion many of us might not associate with guilt. Some may not even realize they are experiencing it, or they struggle to recognize that the weight they are carrying alongside their grief is actually a sense of guilt.

This feeling can manifest itself after a person experiences a loss or a traumatic event that develops post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). This person may feel a sense of responsibility and are grappling with questions like, “Why did this happen? What could I have done differently? Why did I survive when others did not?” These inner questions can weigh incredibly heavy on a person who feels like they could’ve done something different to change or prevent the outcome.

When there’s an emergency, first responders are the ones heading to the action, actively trying to prevent the loss of life or a traumatic outcome. As you know, this puts them at a disproportionate risk of witnessing or being involved in situations that evoke these emotions. Full Article bit.ly/48SlI0U

How to Observe Survivor Day

Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports ISOSLD events around the world. During these events, survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection and hope through their shared experiences. The AFSP also produces a documentary each year that discusses suicide loss. Besides the United States, events are held in Australia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Russia, Kenya, and other countries.

To Participate:

• Reach out to someone you know who has lost someone to suicide.
• Learn about ways to prevent friends, family and loved ones from committing suicide.
• If you’ve been having suicidal thoughts, ask someone for help.
• Watch a documentary produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

In 1999, Senator Harry Reid introduced a resolution for a National Survivors of Suicide Day. Reid’s father had committed suicide in 1972. The day became known as Survivor Day. It was agreed upon that the day would always fall on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This is due to the fact that the holidays are a very difficult time for suicide survivors. The whole world eventually embraced this event, which led to it being called International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.

Credit: National Day, Lexipol, First Responder Wellness

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com