November 21, 2020 is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an international day of building support and offering community resources to those left behind.
Of the approximate 4,000 deaths by suicide each year, more than 90% were living with a mental health problem or illness.¹
What this statistic doesn’t reflect is the mass amount of people that are affected by more than just the loss of their loved one. This annual day in November caters to those people navigating an often complex grief process that comes with a loss by suicide.
As we continue to battle through unprecedented times, Survivors of Suicide Loss Day will be a day of collective remembrance for those no longer with us, but especially for those left behind seeking hope, connection and understanding.
Virtual Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2020
Every year, CMHA Calgary holds Survivors of Suicide Loss Day to encourage those with lived experience to attend and participate with similar members of the community.
This event would not be possible without the brave and dedicated voices of CMHA Calgary volunteers sharing their lived experience, as well as CMHA Calgary’s counselling team present for those reaching out for help throughout the day.
This year, our 16th Annual Survivors of Suicide Loss Day will be hosted virtually via Zoom as a result of the current restrictions on large gatherings in Alberta due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a virtual event, individuals throughout Canada are able to participate however, due to the highly emotional and sensitive nature of the day, this event is primarily intended for adults over the age of 16.
Virtual Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Details:
Date:Â Saturday, November 21, 2020
Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm MST
Hosted through:Â Zoom
*A Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants by November 20, 2020
Registration Fee: A minimum $20 donation is encouraged
Drop-In Suicide Bereavement
For further support, the CMHA Calgary counselling team offers free Suicide Bereavement drop-in sessions.
This group, facilitated by a peer volunteer survivor and a CMHA Calgary counsellor, provides a confidential and safe space for those who have experienced a loss by suicide to share, network and meet others who can understand and provide support.Â
Individuals are supported through their loss, in an environment, they can create connections with others to develop a network of support.
For more information, please phone 403-297-1708 or email counsellingintake@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.
¹ “Suicide in Canada,” Government of Canada, last modified March 4, 2020, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-key-statistics-infographic.html.
Our Peer Support program services can be accessed over the phone at 403-297-1402 or through email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca. We have teamed up with other Calgary agencies to help Calgarians quickly and easily access various counselling and social supports. Visit www.communityconnectyyc.ca, where you can book online for our Suicide Bereavement and Family Support Counselling, and other supports. If you prefer to still book through us, please phone (403-297-1708), or email (counsellingintake@cmha.calgary.ab.ca)