Today is National Survivors of Suicide Day. It is a day of healing, and remembrance for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The survivor community comes together – every year – on the Saturday before Thanksgiving for support, healing, information and empowerment. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention organizes conferences, online events and other activities to take place on this day. You can find more information about the conferences and online events AFSP has organized here 12th Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day.
On a more personal note…It has been a year and half since I tried to kill myself. When I attempted to take my own life, I was so sad, hopeless and miserable. I really believed that death was my only option. It has been the struggle of a lifetime to change my thinking, and believe that I am worthy of having hope, happiness, and life. For many months after my attempt, I was angry that I had not died. Now, I am thankful that I am alive.
My choice to die has been hard on my family. It has taken them a great deal of time to come to terms with the fact that someone they loved, did not want to live anymore. Several months ago, I asked my mother and daughter a series of questions about their thoughts and feelings when they found out that I had tried to kill myself. I felt it was important for me to know what they had gone through, and also share it with other people who might be thinking about suicide. Even though we feel as if we are alone, we are not. Our desire to die – and the actions we take to make it happen – has a real and devastating affect on our families, friends, and anyone who cares about us.
Here are the links to my mother’s and daughter’s interviews about my suicide attempt, and depression.
