Mount Gambier will host a reflective event next week to mark International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is held to promote coming together and demonstrating non-judgemental support for the survivors.
In Australia the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2019 informs us that every day nine people take their lives across Australia, seven are men; with research informing us that for each one death by suicide an estimated 135 people are impacted therefore on one day in Australia that would mean 1228 people are needing to survive a suicide loss.
Anyone impacted by suicide can be at higher risk of suicide themselves and postvention support, either by family and friends, or professional support services, are essential.
Survivors Day is a prompt to remember the good times that you had with and those who have taken their own lives, not just the way in which they died. Holding onto good memories is a positive coping mechanism and allows us to honour them without guilt.
Survivors Day gives us the opportunity to stop and focus on the resources that can help us and others to get through.
Survivors Day can connect us in a global capacity to remind us that we are not alone.
The reflective event will be held on November 22 at 5.30pm in the Suicide Bereavement Garden at Vansittart Park.
To RSVP for catering email mtgdspn@gmail.com or Tracey Wanganeen on 0437 503 520.
