Amarillo Survivors of Suicicde will be holding an event in honor of International Survivors of Suicide Day on Nov. 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Virgil Henson Activities Center (VHAC).   Registration can be completed online at www.facebook.com/AmarilloSOS or by calling (806)-457-4993.  The event is to help people who have lost a loved one to suicide learn to cope and will have local resources and suicide professionals present.

“I think it [International Survivors of Suicide Day] is a great program and I believe in what they do,” Will Crafton, vocalist for NameSake, a band from Georgia, said.  He helps the people who reach out to him through music and shows his support to those who are having a difficult time.

“I get messages every day, and I point the people in their [suicide prevention networks] direction.  I want to help them get their lives in a more positive place,” Crafton said.

The pain that survivors of suicide endure is excruciating and difficult to deal with alone.  Amarillo SOS gives survivors a safe place to talk and share experiences so that survivors know they are not alone.

“I think it is going to be a great experience,” Jessica Cummings, senior Social Work major, said.

On average, seven deaths by suicide occur daily in Texas according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).  Those who are suicidal do not always display signs.  The classic signs include loss of interest in things that use to bring pleasure, sadness, despair and alternating high moods to low moods, according to DSHS.  Reaching out for help is not something that many do when they feel the symptoms; however, those who do seek help may realize that they affect many more people than they thought. The underlying causes of suicidal thoughts are usually linked to some type of mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder and depression.