GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, each year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, survivors of suicide loss come together to find community and support on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss held its annual conference at the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan/be nice. in Grand Rapids.
The free event was hosted with the goal of giving loss survivors a place to find hope, understanding and connection with others who have been through the same thing.
"There's 100 people registered today to join us and share in the unique and traumatic journey of what it's like to lose a loved one and just to know, especially heading into the holiday season, that we're not alone," said Becky Olson, the vice president on the Board of Directors of West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss. "That when there's that empty seat at the table, that there are other people navigating that very complex trauma and what it's like to lose a loved one to suicide.
Ben Taylor, MA was the keynote speaker at the event. He's a pastor in Sparta and a therapist in Grand Rapids.
This was the fourth time Taylor had attended the annual event. He said although he's never lost someone to suicide, he's humbled and honored to join the group during these events.
"My heart breaking in all the right ways for the people here brings me back," Taylor said. "I hate that these wonderful people have gone through something like this. But I love being able to come alongside and to offer any kind of hope for healing, any kind of perspective."
In addition to Taylor, there were self-care providers for grief, exhibitors and support services. There was also a memorial candle lighting, a light breakfast and a catered lunch.
Olson said the service providers ranged from yoga to breath work and equine therapy.
"Beyond therapy, beyond going to church, beyond perhaps taking medication ourselves for depression and anxiety, that there are very unique ways to channel grief, whether it's through movement, through journaling, through different self-care practices, that it's really important to take care of yourself," Olson said.
If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideations, call the 988 hotline and reach out for help when you need it.
"One thing that I want everyone to know is that we have help at a finger's distance—the 988 hotline," Olson said. "It's no longer a long 800 number that people have to remember. So if you yourself need some help, we have dispatchers in the Kent County Sheriff's Office that take those 988 calls. You're talking to a local person who can support you."
