Health and Me

Ishita Roy

International Day for Survivors of Suicide Loss: History And Its Relevance Today

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 720 000 people die due to <span>suicide</span> every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

November 22 is observed as the International <span>Survivors of Suicide Loss</span> Day, which brings attention to a form of grief, which is not always talked about. Neuroscience now provides more clarity on how different the experience of losing someone close is. This experience is not just gone for once, but instead as recurring waves of pain, intrusive questions, and long-lasting emotional "aftershocks". 

Suicide loss comes in many layers of shocks, guilty, and often confusion. The brain not only processes the loss, but also a rupture. There are many forms of grief, including cognitive, emotional, and sometimes biological, if it is a lost family member, like a daughter, son, sister, or a very close family member. 

The amygdala is responsible for detecting fear and danger. After a suicide loss, it can stay hyperactive for months or even years.

Sudden reminders, unanswered questions, anniversaries, or simple triggers—like a song, photo, or notification, can instantly activate the brain’s stress response. Experts suggest since suicide is an unexpected and traumatic incident, the amygdala keeps replaying the alert and thus the survivors could often feel frozen in the moment when they receive the news. 

<h2>The Thoughts That Loop Relentlessly</h2>

The hippocampus helps form memories and gives context to events. After a suicide loss, the brain tries to create meaning around something that often has no clear explanation. This leads to persistent mental looping:

<ul><li>Could I have stopped it?</li><li>Why didn’t I catch the signs?</li><li>What were they thinking or feeling?</li></ul>

These are not just emotional spirals—they are the hippocampus working overtime, trying to rebuild a narrative that makes sense, even when the event itself defies understanding.

<h2>What Is The History Of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day?</h2>

The day was created in 1999, following a US Senate resolution that was introduced by Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide. The day was officially designated by the United States Congress as a time for those affected by suicide loss to come together for healing and support. 

The American Foundation for <span>Suicide Prevention</span> of Illinois has also planned multiple free, in-person gatherings for people who have lost someone to suicide. Angela Cummings, who is the executive director of the foundation says, "Grief after suicide is unique, and so is the strength it takes to keep going," as reported by My Journal Corner. 

"Survivor Day helps people find understanding and connection through shared experience. It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible."

Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a program that unites survivors of suicide loss across the world. These events help survivors cope with the tragedy of losing someone to suicide.

<ul><li>UK: NHS UK Helpline No. 111, works 24 hours every day</li><li>US: Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline No. 988, nation wide phone number</li><li>India: iCall: Helpline Np. 9152987821</li></ul>

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As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.November 22 is observed as the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, which brings attention to a form of grief, which is not always talked about. Neuroscience now provides more clarity on how different the experience of losing someone close is. This experience is not just gone for once, but instead as recurring waves of pain, intrusive questions, and long-lasting emotional "aftershocks". Suicide loss comes in many layers of shocks, guilty, and often confusion. The brain not only processes the loss, but also a rupture. There are many forms of grief, including cognitive, emotional, and sometimes biological, if it is a lost family member, like a daughter, son, sister, or a very close family member. The amygdala is responsible for detecting fear and danger. After a suicide loss, it can stay hyperactive for months or even years.Sudden reminders, unanswered questions, anniversaries, or simple triggers—like a song, photo, or notification, can instantly activate the brain’s stress response. Experts suggest since suicide is an unexpected and traumatic incident, the amygdala keeps replaying the alert and thus the survivors could often feel frozen in the moment when they receive the news. The Thoughts That Loop RelentlesslyThe hippocampus helps form memories and gives context to events. After a suicide loss, the brain tries to create meaning around something that often has no clear explanation. This leads to persistent mental looping:Could I have stopped it?Why didn’t I catch the signs?What were they thinking or feeling?These are not just emotional spirals—they are the hippocampus working overtime, trying to rebuild a narrative that makes sense, even when the event itself defies understanding.What Is The History Of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day?The day was created in 1999, following a US Senate resolution that was introduced by Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide. The day was officially designated by the United States Congress as a time for those affected by suicide loss to come together for healing and support. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Illinois has also planned multiple free, in-person gatherings for people who have lost someone to suicide. Angela Cummings, who is the executive director of the foundation says, "Grief after suicide is unique, and so is the strength it takes to keep going," as reported by My Journal Corner. "Survivor Day helps people find understanding and connection through shared experience. It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible."Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a program that unites survivors of suicide loss across the world. These events help survivors cope with the tragedy of losing someone to suicide.Help for suicidal thoughtsUK: NHS UK Helpline No. 111, works 24 hours every dayUS: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline No. 988, nation wide phone numberIndia: iCall: Helpline Np. 9152987821