13th Annual ‘Survivors of Suicide Loss’ Day Honors Loved Ones

Saturday marked the the 13th annual international “Survivors of Suicide Loss” day.

There were more than 250 conference sites all over the world honoring the day, including one right here in the desert.

College of the Desert hosted a conference aimed at those who lost loved ones to suicide.

People came to share stories, ask for guidance, and talk through issues.

The area director of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention said the most important coping mechanism is finding someone who has been in your shoes.

“I lost my dad to suicide. This was one of the first events I attended and, more than anything, I walked away with the feeling that I wasn’t alone,” Jessica Vanderstad said.