American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will host its annual International Suicide Survivor Loss Day Saturday, Nov. 19.

Anyone who has been touched by suicide in their family is invited to join the event at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

Survivor Day was created by a resolution in the U. S. Congress in 1999 and has since been sponsored and supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, taking place each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving because the holidays are oftentimes difficult for most due to a loss of a loved one, especially a loss as the result of suicide.

Hundreds of organized events are held throughout the U. S. and around the world.

Caring for those left behind in the aftermath of a suicide is an essential part of suicide prevention, because survivors who are left to grieve alone are at a greater risk of suicide themselves.

“It is OK not to be OK — grief can sometimes feel overwhelming, but support is always available,” said Pat Butler, area AFSP sponsor and field advocate. “The emotions felt after a suicide loss are deeply personal, and each person may face unique challenges in their grief — know that you are not alone in your healing journey.”

The local events are to remember loved ones and share personal journeys.

“If you are coping with a loss, know that you are not alone, and support is available,” Butler said.

The meeting will be 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Southwest Regional Workforce Training Facility at SMCC, room 151. SMCC is located at 1146 Horace Holmes Drive in Summit. Refreshments will be served. Southwest Mississippi Mental Health representative Ebony Butler Ross will assist with the event.

Registration is encouraged at https://AFSP.org/international-survivors-of-suicide-loss-day. More information is available there, as well.