International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2023: Date, History, 5 Facts About Suicide Loss

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2023: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is observed on November 18, 2023, the Saturday preceding Thanksgiving. Its purpose is to encourage survivors of this devastating event to unite and offer support. Suicidal deaths have a profound effect on those who knew and were close to the victim. Coping with bereavement and trauma can be particularly challenging for those individuals. This day is dedicated to extending love and support to suicide survivors.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2023: History

Suicide has been subject to evolving perspectives throughout history. It has elicited both condemnation and condonation, contingent upon the societal context and religious affiliation.

It is forbidden in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, but it is tolerated by the Brahmans of India. In ancient Greece, convicted criminals were granted permission to commit suicide, thereby establishing a conditional acceptance of the practice. The principles shifted in Rome as the empire approached its decline.

During the Middle Ages, Western society implemented canon law and subsequently criminal law as measures to reduce the prevalence of suicide. Nevertheless, the societal impact was negligible, given that suicide rates persisted unchanged. Following the French Revolution of 1789, European nations were exempted from criminal penalties for suicidal attempt. However, England did not comply with this development until 1961.

Although there was minimal fluctuation in adult suicide rates in the United States between 1950 and 1980, there was a substantial surge in suicide rates among the younger demographic.

White male teenagers aged 15 to 19 experienced the greatest impact, with a 305% increase, and white males aged 20 to 24 experienced a 196% increase. Officials in the field of mental health were required to increase their knowledge of the societal impacts of alcohol and drugs, mental illness, suicide clusters, and firearm accessibility.

Senator Harry Reid of the United States proposed a resolution in 1999 that resulted in the establishment of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The 1972 suicide death of Reid’s father was a cause near and dear to his heart. It was subsequently introduced into Congress prior to Thanksgiving, a particularly trying time for survivors, in recognition of the situation. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention annually provides financial support for Survivors Day events worldwide, thereby contributing to the promotion of peace.

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5 Facts About Suicide Loss

Global fatalities

Nearly 800,000 individuals commit suicide annually.

Nearby to residence

Almost half of Americans are acquainted with an individual who has committed suicide.

LGBT society

Attempts at suicide are nearly five times more prevalent among LGBT adolescents.

Each eleven minutes

Suicidal deaths occur every 11 minutes on average.

Optimal suicide rate

Guyana has the highest reported suicide rate.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2023: Date