In recent years, "survivor" has been used to refer to people who have lived after attempting a suicide. We use this term to refer to people who have loved ones that died by suicide. It is important to us that these survivors receive the support and resources they need to grieve and heal without being stigmatized for their loss. Efforts in this regard are collectively known as "postvention".
Thank you, Glenda!
Survivors have been involved with MASP since we first began, but we have been deeply touched by one in particular. Glenda Everett-Sznoluch lost a son to suicide in 1996. She then spent the next 13 years raising awareness about teen suicide and advocating for suicide prevention through MASP and the Michigan Yellow Ribbon program. Click here to read about her journey. After those many years of devoted and celebrated effort, Glenda stepped down from her position as MASP Survivor Chair in 2009 to spend more time with her family. It is difficult to put into words how much Glenda still means to us, though you may have a clue if you have ever been touched by her passionate words or otherwise benefited from her presence. However, we honored her request for as little fanfare as possible to mark her well-deserved "sabbatical". Please keep her and her family (the Everetts, Sznoluchs, Halpins, and Umfleets) in your thoughts and prayers.
"Suicide" Glossary
Survivors not only face the daunting task of coming to terms with the death of their loved one while going on with their own lives. They are also confronted with a whole new language that is used by books, web sites, mental health professionals, etc. to describe suicide and everything about it. We know how confusing these terms can be. Click here to see a glossary that was developed for the National Strategy on Suicide Prevention (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001) or "NSSP" for short. This copy was found on the SPRC web site.
Note: Some online dictionaries like dictionary.reference.com have an automated voice that will say the word for you, if it is found and you click on a little icon to hear it (a bullhorn in this case). However, MASP cannot promise that these dictionaries will work with your computer or be helpful to you.
It is difficult to grieve a death by suicide, especially when you don't know what to expect from the journey or if you feel that you cannot share your thoughts with those around you. MASP has compiled a list of support groups in Michigan that have helped others. Some are led by a mental health professional and others by fellow survivors. We cannot endorse any particular group or guarantee that it will help you or fit your situation. However, it may be a good place to start your healing or receive support along the way. Note: "SOS" is short for "survivors of suicide".
In 2007, MASP and the Michigan chapter of SPAN USA started planning a statewide suicide memorial or "lifekeeper" quilt. Its purpose is to remind us all that suicide touches real people every single day, people who were much more than the steps they eventually took to end their pain. A total of 27 survivors and their families decorated and then contributed a 12" x 12" square to honor their loved ones who died by suicide:
Ruth Umfleet, Glenda's mother, then assembled the squares into a beautiful and impactful piece of art.
Mrs. Umfleet completed the quilt shortly before her own death from natural causes. We have honored her loving effort and commitment to suicide prevention by establishing a fund in her name to encourage more artistic pursuits on behalf of survivors. Please e-mail us (subject: Umfleet fund) if you are interested in making a contribution.
On March 28, 2009, the quilt was unveiled to participating families in a private dedication ceremony held at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing, Michigan. Two poems were also read at the ceremony. The quilt is now displayed publicly at local and national events promoting suicide prevention.
"Remembering Our Loved Ones"
This is a statewide tribute to people lost to suicide. It started around 2001 as a candlelight memorial in Lansing where a list of loved ones' names was read. Each one either died in Michigan or touched the life of at least one Michigander. It is now a part of every conference that we host. It provides survivors with an opportunity to openly honor their loved ones. It also reminds us all of the importance of continuing our efforts towards prevention, postvention, and the eradication of the stigma associated with suicide, as the list has grown to include nearly 250 names. Please e-mail us (subject: remembering) if you would like to add your loved one's information to our tribute.
Survivor Pins
If you have seen MASP board members out and about, you may have noticed that we sometimes wear turquoise and purple pins. Turquoise symbolizes the people who have been lost to suicide and purple represents the survivors who are left behind. Please e-mail us (subject: survivor pin) if you are interested in purchasing the pin.
Want More Information?
Please check our Calendar, Blog, and Links on a regular basis to learn about events in Michigan and beyond that are geared towards survivors.
MASP, P.O. Box 0546, Allen Park, MI, 48101-0546, (734) 624-8328, masponweb@ymail.com
Copyright © 2010
Last Updated: 2/28/2010