It is an official day to honor those who have lost a loved one to mental illness and suicide. We will come together to encourage and support one another, bring awareness to mental illness, and honor our loved ones who may be gone but will never be forgotten.

We will spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

We share this day with our friends, family, and others who have suffered the loss of a loved one by suicide and as NAMI New Jersey says, “You are not alone.”

The unseen pain that goes undiagnosed, dismissed, and stigmatized. The pain has overtaken so many loved ones to the point that they can no longer bear the struggle and sadly causes many to end their lives prematurely.

Friends and family support the grieving ones during their time of tragedy. The fresh memory of the departed ones and the support is comforting. Unfortunately, this support fades over time.

The people around “move on” with their lives and may not fathom why the sadness and pain still exist for the grieving, who continue to relive the tragedy and bear the continuous pain.