Many have experience the challenges that occur following the loss of a loved one to suicide, according to a press release. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is when people affected by suicide loss gather in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope.

Survivor Day was created by an act of Congress in 1999 and since then has been sponsored and supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. According to the release, there were 370 total events, including 32 international sites in 19 countries in 2018.

This is the sixth year a Survivors of Suicide Loss event will be offered at Bonnerup Funeral Service. People who have attended in the past have found connections to others and comfort by being in the company of those who understand what it means to lose someone to suicide, the release stated. The afternoon provides a safe and supportive space of being in the same room with other survivors.

Those who have experienced a loss to suicide blame themselves and may replay for many years what they might have done differently. For some, the loss occurred many years ago and was kept secret. There had not been an opportunity to speak of the death, to process feelings and to experience of healing on this very painful grief journey.

This event is an opportunity to learn and find resources. It enables participants the opportunity to help others as well as themselves. Those with recent losses along with those who experienced the loss many years ago support each other in recognizing that although the pain and grief remain healing can occur, and they can go onto live a rich and meaningful life.

There is no charge for the local event, which is 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 23 at Bonnerup Funeral Service. To register to attend the event, call 507-373-2461 or email judy@bonnerupfuneralservice.com.

For those who are unable to attend a Survivor Day event in person, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts a Survivor Day program online at afsp.org/SurvivorDay.