Today is 'World Suicide Survivors Day'... "Social Attention Needed for Survivors"

[Asia Economy Reporter Byun Seon-jin] The 19th is designated as "World Suicide Survivors Day" to heal and comfort survivors who have been hurt by the sudden loss of family members.

Since the designation resolution, proposed by former U.S. Senator Harry Reid, who became a survivor due to his father's extreme choice, was passed in 1999, World Suicide Survivors Day has been commemorated worldwide every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the extreme choice of a family member affects 5 to 10 suicide survivors, and suicide survivors are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses such as depression.

Common symptoms among suicide survivors include ▲ persistent grief and loss ▲ viewing oneself as worthless ▲ easily fatigued and frequently tired ▲ feelings of guilt and self-blame ▲ nihilistic thoughts about life.

Suicide survivors also have a high potential risk of making extreme choices like the deceased, but social interest remains low.

In Korea, events for suicide survivors have been held annually since 2017. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Life Respect Hope Foundation held a commemorative event for World Suicide Survivors Day on the 18th.

Due to social distancing measures from COVID-19, the events were held online in 2020 and 2021, but this year, the event was held in person at the Community House Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul. About 130 people, including suicide survivors and private support organization officials, attended for healing and comfort.

A, who participated as a panelist in the talk concert, said, "After the sudden bereavement, nothing around me was comforting, but I was comforted by the changing social perception of survivors as I encountered survivor support services and self-help groups."

Geum Chang-jin, a police inspector from Suwon City Suicide Prevention Center, and Jo Dong-yeon, a peer support activist, received commendations from the Minister of Health and Welfare for their contributions to advocating for the rights of suicide survivors. Additionally, 17 peer support activists who received training to help other suicide survivors recover were appointed.

This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Health and Welfare provided a total of 50 million won in national funds to 10 locations, including the suicide survivor self-help group operated by Jeju City Mental Health Welfare Center.

Suicide survivors in need of help can apply for counseling services, self-help groups, treatment cost support, psychological autopsy interviews, and other services through the online space "Warm Farewell" website. In addition, psychological support is available through local government mental health welfare centers and suicide prevention centers.