It’s time: A challenge to survivors of suicide
By Jerry and Elsie Weyrauch 
Survivors of suicide (those who have lost a loved one to suicide) face innumerable challenges– from the moment they learn of the suicide until they find acceptance. The challenge to reduce the impact of suicidal behavior, so others may be spared a survivor’s life, becomes a lifetime of prevention activity for many people. However, for most, reaching the point where they can just “get on” with their lives is probably sufficient challenge.
Survivors also have learned, from experience or the history of the past 15 years, that one person and a new approach can make the difference between status quo and significant positive progress forward! Many survivors live with a constant “fire in the belly”– a burning desire that renews itself daily to reduce the terrible impact of suicidal behavior (just as the sun mounts a new transit of the heavens each morning). Their passion drives them to keep searching for truly effective and sustainable ways to reduce suicidal behavior. They seek more than “best practices.” They seek replicable, at reasonable cost, rigorous, scientific, population-based proof of cause and effect: if you do this, you will reduce suicidal behavior. They want a similar “gold standard” of proof, such as is required before medications can be prescribed, to produce certain human benefits. Is that too much to ask? We don’t think so!
Attaining a “gold standard” of proof will be costly, time consuming and difficult. But, look at the long term and ongoing investments being made to find “gold standard” proofs for reducing the impact of cancer, heart disease and AIDS. And, be aware of the huge, ongoing contributions the victims of these conditions make to find these “gold standard” proofs!
In the more than 20 years that Elsie and I have been involved, we have seen a lot of suicide prevention activity. But alas, we have seen no measurable reduction in the impact of suicide either in the United States or in the world. We have seen more and more survivors become involved in suicide prevention activities, including fundraising walks, lifting awareness, advocacy, mental health testing, gatekeeper training, postvention work, creating all kinds of non-profit do-good organizations, and conferences galore. All of this has been both necessary and helpful. It also is evidence of the fact that, while survivors do find many commonalities in their losses, their approaches to reducing the impact of suicidal behavior are as different as each morning’s sunrise. Why should we expect anything different? Individual differences predict that survivors will develop multiple approaches to the common problem of reducing the impact of suicidal behavior.
However, when we look at how those impacted by other tragic human conditions (cancer, heart disease, and AIDS) have responded to the challenge to find a “gold standard” solution to those conditions, we think survivors of suicide have a great lesson to learn…
A huge difference is how those whose lives have been shattered by cancer, heart disease and AIDS, support, promote and advocate for their “gold standard” research.
How often do we survivors of suicide give funds to “gold standard” suicide prevention research? How often do we ask others to give funds? How often do we raise awareness about the need for funding “gold standard” suicide prevention research?
Let us admit that we think (we need the help here of some survivor researchers to determine the FACTS) their research is organized and managed in a more effective way than our research. For example, we think that in their research:
- worldwide collaboration and cooperation is much more the norm;
- information sharing is much more common;
- priorities are established, coordinated and managed so that limited funds are applied in ways to achieve, as soon as possible, the biggest bang for the buck;
- individuals impacted by these health conditions, as well as their families and friends, directly support financially their research; and
- a more global approach is used.
We submit that IT’S TIME for all of us survivors in the United States and the world, to:
FINANCIALLY AND ADMINISTRATIVELY SUPPORT A COLLABORATIVE, COORDINATED AND MANAGED APPROACH TO WORLD WIDE SUICIDE PREVENTION RESEARCH THAT LEADS TO A ‘GOLD STANDARD’ PROOF FOR REDUCING THE TRAGIC IMPACT OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR.
That is a mouth full– and a plate full– for any, and all, survivors. So, how do we begin the process to focus our energies/finances to approach research for the “gold standard” of prevention?
- For starters, we suggest that survivors in the United States start collaborating and cooperating as global survivors of suicide and not just as members of different US organizations. Let “GOLD STANDARD” RESEARCH for proven effective ways to prevent suicide become our goal, in addition to survivor support and postvention. Build bridges, not barriers. Take the first step and communicate clearly.
- You will hear calls for engaging the “government.” That is all right. However, experience suggests the government is good on intentions, and often lacks in performance. We suggest a change. Invite the government as a collaborator. But do not wait for them to lead! Carpe Diem! Survivors must seize the moment and “just do it”!
- The recent announcement that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) will merge in 2009, shows that positive change, can and does happen. Are their other good opportunities for merger and effectiveness? You bet there are! They are probably right in front of us if we open our eyes to see them.
Let this real life example of positive CHANGE encourage you that good things can and do happen! It can begin with you. Why don’t you become a leader, and raise the call for “gold standard” suicide prevention research in your organizations and your group of survivors? Bring it out in the open and talk about it. After all, isn’t that one thing that helped all of us survivors of suicide– talking about it? So, let it begin with me– today!
IT’S TIME! PEACE!
About the Authors
Terri Ann Weyrauch, MD, died on June 17, 1987, by suicide at the age of 34. Her parents, Jerry and Elsie Weyrauch of Marietta, Georgia (USA), championed the cause of advocacy by survivors through the creation of the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) in 1994. In the first merger of national suicide prevention non-profits, SPAN USA will merge with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in the first quarter of 2009. Their email address is jerryweyrauch@comcast.net.
This is the first time I have visited this website and read this information. I am a sibling suicide survivor of an older brother who died at age 23 in 1967. I totally agree with your call for a Gold Standard and the merging of resources. I have worked for nonprofits all of my career and it is time we draw on all our resources. Suicide is finally coming “out of the closet” and we must act on this momentum. As I write this the tears still roll down my cheeks, there is still a lump in my throat and a pain in my gut.
Thank you,
Pat
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