We put the lived expertise of suicide attempt and loss survivors into action through leadership, collaboration and advocacy.
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United Suicide Survivors International US for short
We are an independent global organization that serves as a home for people who have experienced suicide loss, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts and feelings, and their friends and families – collectively known as people with lived experience with suicide – to leverage their expertise for large-scale change.
Mission Our mission is to cultivate the lived expertise of suicide into action through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.
Vision We envision a world where lived expertise becomes the fulcrum that leverages all suicide prevention efforts. Our complete vision is to see a day when we are no longer needed.
Values
Inclusion – True change requires diversity of thought and action.
Collaboration – Our work is about shared goals, not status or affiliation.
Courage – Willingness to proceed in spite of the fear and rejection by others.
Action – Recognition that awareness is meaningless without action.
Assist those with lived experience in the transition of discovering their role as change champions and advocates.
Support the implementation of lived experience international guidelines and best practice programs.
Leverage the voices of lived experience to advocate for policy, systems and cultural change.
a 501c3 non-profit incorporated in 2016
We offer a variety of unique resources from storytelling trainings (online and in person) to webinars on hot topics in suicide prevention, a men’s mental health book series, and a Workplace Suicide Prevention program.
How to Tell Your Story about Living Through a Suicide Crisis — Safely and Effectively
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Become an advocate. Create change.
United Survivors Lived Experience Collective
Membership Levels
Friend of United Survivors – $5.00/Month Benefits: United Survivors newsletter subscription, mention in the newsletter and on the website, and an invitation to a dedicated LinkedIn group and membership to our lived experience collective (limited vetting process.)
Benefits: United Survivors newsletter subscription, featured mention in the newsletter and on the website, an invitation to a dedicated LinkedIn group, an opportunity to have a virtual coffee with a board member, and a digital badge to share on your social media.
Benefits: United Survivors newsletter subscription, featured mention in the newsletter and on the website, an invitation to a dedicated LinkedIn group, an opportunity to have a virtual coffee with a board member, a digital badge to share on your social media, and the opportunity to be the host of one of our webinars.
United Survivors hosts free webinars with a variety of experts in the field of lived experience and suicide prevention. We invite you to join US for upcoming webinars or to watch a webinar that we’ve already offered.
Upcoming Webinars
Information regarding our upcoming webinars can be found on our Facebook page.
Previous Webinars
January 2024 – “WRAP® for LIFE: A personalized, Peer-based, Infinitely-Doable Suicide Prevention Tool”
March 2023 – “Advancing Suicide Prevention through Advocacy: Stories, Tips, Ideas & Inspiration to Make an Impact”
August 2022 – “Straight from the Source: Engaging Our Media Partners in Suicide Prevention” with award-winning journalists Rhitu Chatterjee, Aneri Pattani and Jessie Cohen
May 2022 – “Formando Conexiones entre Individuos, Familias y Profesionales en la Prevencion del Suicidio” con Dr. Quetzalcóatl Hernández Cervantes, Dr. Jonathan Singer, and Diana Cortez Yanez (our second webinar in Spanish)
April 2022 (1 of 2) – “Repair & Overhaul After a Breakdown: Stories & Tips from the Men of the New Guts, Grit & The Grind Book” with Dr. John Draper, Rob England, Chip Roberts, Eduardo Vega and Cam Stout
April 2022 (2 of 2) – “Repair & Overhaul After a Breakdown: Stories & Tips from First Responders & Active Military/Veterans in the new Guts, Grit & The Grind book” with Retired Police Lieutenant John Coppedge, Retired First Sergeant Tom Cruz, Chief Nate Stoermer, and Lieutenant Juan Vigil
March 2022 – “Reclaim Your Moxie:™ Role of Peer Support in Health, Wellness & Addiction Recovery in the Workplace” with Dana Piscopo, CPRC, CFAA, CSRC, MVLCE
February 2022 – “Life Saving Knowledge: How Stress Response and Trauma Relate to Suicide” with Joanna Bridger, LICSW, Dr. Ursula Whiteside, and Sarah Gaer, MA
January 2022 – “Promoción de la Salud Mental y Prevención del Suicidio en Comunidades Latines/x: Consideraciones Claves” con Ysabel Garcia, Diana Cortez Yanez y Eduardo Vega (our first webinar in Spanish on promoting mental health and suicide prevention in Latine/x communities)
2021
December 2021 – “The ‘Suicidal Risk’ Stigma and Seeking SUD Treatment” with Dr. Marlon Rollins
November 2021 – Suicide Loss in the Workplace: What You Need to Know and How to Help with Dr. Doreen Marshall
October 2021 – Adoption and Suicide Prevention: Adult Adoptees Speak Out with Jessenia Parmer, Amanda Transue-Woolston, Kevin Barhydt, and Lynelle Long
September 2021 – When it’s Darkest: Making Sense of Suicide with Professor Rory O’Connor
August 2021 – How Much is Enough? Lessons Learned on Mental Health from Elite Athletes with Tish Guerin, Jay Harrison, Breezy Johnson, Dr. William Parham
July 2021 – Strength, Resilience, & Growth: The Power Within BIPOC & Experiences with Mental Health with Vic Armstrong, Philip Cooper, Doug Middleton
June 2021 – First Responders and Suicide Response: Better Understanding, Better Outcomes with Sergeant Kevin Briggs, Det. Jason Klaus, Assist. Chief Manny Almaguer, Dr. Chris Caulkins
May 2021 – 988 What to Expect From the Three Digit Lifeline with John Draper, David Covington, Margie Balfour, Lisa St George
April 2021 – “Eye of the Survivor: Your Hero’s Journey of Surviving Suicide” with Sally Spencer-Thomas, Ursula Whiteside, and Leilani Darwin
March 2021 – “Warrior Care: The Fight After the Battle” With MG (ret.) Mark Graham, MSG (ret.) Chris Jachimiec, Dr. Justin Baker, and Wendy Lasko
February 2021 – “Thriving Beyond Surviving: Mental Resilience in the Black Community” With Vic Armstrong, Fonda Bryant, and Rwenshaun Miller
January 2021 – “Indigenous Approaches to Upstream Suicide Prevention: A Global Panel” With Kim Senklip-Harvey, Leilani Darwin, and Shelby Rowe
“A Fireside Chat: Making Meaning after Suicide Loss” with Sam Webb
“The Role of a Counselor” With Rosie Bauder
“Suicide Prevention: The Evidence Base, Lived Experience, and the Journey to Clinical Readiness” With Ted Bonar
“Liability Issues in Suicide Care: A Lawyer Informed by Lived Expertise” with Skip Simpson
“Standing in Solidarity: The Voices of Lived Experience” with Ted Figlock, Cheryl Micoch, Vanessa McGann and Matt Runnalls
“Young People Share DBT Skills: Real Stories of Surviving and Coping through Suicidal Crises” and Ursula Whiteside and the NMN Ambassadors
Guts, Grit & The Grind: Why Storytelling Matters in Men’s Mental Health — A Panel Discussion
“Lived Experience Meets Research” with Jacinta Hawgood and Bronwen Edwards
2:46 / 54:21
Social Justice, Racial Equity & Suicide Prevention with Dr. Pata Suyemoto and Jennifer Kelliher
“Beyond the Brain: Soul Exhaustion and Suicide Prevention,” by Sarah Gaer
“Launching the National Guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention”
“We’ve Been Too Patient: Lessons Learned from Radical Perspectives,” by Kelechi Ubozoh
h
“What Could Lived Experience Look Like in Healthcare?” presented by Bart Andrews, PhD
“Firefighters and Resilience, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention” presented by Assistant Chief Nate Stoermer
“Live, Learn, and Grow,” presented by Craig Miller, Author
“You Can’t Unring a Bell,” presented by Heidi Bryan
“Children Who Grieve: How Suicide Impacts Children” presented by Karen Moyer and Sebastian Slovin
“Turning it Around: From Preventing Suicide to Personal Growth” presented by Dr. Dequincy “Quix” Lezine
“Clinicians and Suicide Loss: What We Know and What We Can Do” presented by Dr. Nina Gutin
“Addressing Death with Dignity/Physician Assisted Suicide” presented by Ken Norton, LCSW.
“The Heart of A Suicide Intervention: the Research and Story of CAMS” presented by David Jobes, Ph.D.
“When the Professional is Personal: Lessons from Lived Experience of Suicidality & Helping the Suicidal Person” presented by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW
“DOGS: A Medication without Side Effects” presented by Matthew Decker
“Dignity of Choice: Care and Compassion During Mental Health Crises” presented by Rudy Caseres
Too often individuals experiencing suicidal crisis are not provided with the care and compassion appropriate to their situation. Hospitalization is not always the most optimal solution. Due to conventional and long held beliefs this is most frequently seen as the only option. Survivors are being given more opportunity and to provide alternative actions in regards to crisis response. Using these personal experiences to guide support, people who are experiencing crisis can maintain dignity, choice and control over what happens to them.
“Male Wellness Post-Divorce” presented by Brett (Zach) Zachman, founder of BeMen
June is Men’s Health Month, and this webinar helps to bring mental well-being into the overall health conversation by giving men tools for resilience during and after the transition of divorce.
“The Missing Peace: Making Meaning of the Pain from the Past” presented by Cheryl Sharp
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACEs) shows a strong correlation between what has happened in childhood and the increase in suicide attempts later in life. While the correlation is strong, ACEs are not destiny.
This webinar explores how our past impacts our present as well as how we can learn to move beyond that pain. The potential paths to hope and healing create opportunities to make meaning of our pain and move towards a life out of the darkness.
“Suicide and Firearms: What Do We Know and What Can We Do?” presented by Clint and Joanie Malarchuk and Dr. Michael Anestis
A growing body of research shows the role of firearms in suicide and that a cultural shift towards suicide-specific safe gun ownership can reduce suicide deaths. Dr. Michael Anestis shares his research and findings in leveraging common ground in the pursuit of lower suicide rates. Clint Malarchuk, along with his wife Joanie, share his story of surviving his suicide attempt with a firearm and what steps can be taken at the individual and family level to reduce suicide with firearms.
We advise caution as you listen to this webinar and if you are in need of support we encourage you to reach out to the National Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or through the Crisis Text Line by texting START to 741741.
“The Art and Science of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention” presented by Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
When we are able to inspire others with our stories of recovery from suicidal despair or suicide grief, we give them hope. And hope is the antidote to suicide. This webinar provides an introduction on how to tell one’s story of suicide despair and/or suicide grief. We will cover a brief overview of the “art and science” of the process including why storytelling is important to the storyteller as well as the audience, safe and effective messaging, and the craft of creating a compelling and inspiring narrative.
“Youth Advocacy and Resiliency in the LGBTQ Communities: Insights from the Trevor Project”
Chris Bright of the Trevor Project presents on crisis intervention and suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Youth serving professionals will learn hands on techniques for supporting LGBTQ young people. This workshop combines research, case studies, best practice recommendations, and practical steps for reducing the risk of suicide and promoting resiliency in all young people with an emphasis on education and support for Trans/GNC young people.
“Cultivating your Unconquerable Spirit: Nurturing Personal Growth and Strength after a Suicide Attempt” presented by Shelby Rowe.
Shelby Rowe intertwines evidence-based suicide prevention best practices with her own experience. She walks us through her journey to recovery, shares the post traumatic growth that’s taken place, and shares her 6 steps to cultivating resiliency.
“Let Their Voices Be Heard: How Family and Friends of People Living Through Suicide Crises are Allies”presented by Annemarie Matulis and Marcia Epstein.
With over 11 million individuals having experienced suicidal thoughts, feelings, or attempts you can only imagine the number of caring family-friends who are also impacted. Learn more about available and needed self-care and educational resources for family-friends, in ongoing relationship, of people living with suicide thoughts and attempts; the benefits of including these family-friends in all aspects of suicide prevention; and ways to increase the involvement in the national suicide prevention community of these family-friends.
“Everyone Needs a Crisis Plan: Planning for the Worst while Thriving Forward” presented by Dr. Ursula Whiteside.
As suicide survivors become suicide prevention change agents and suicide grief support advocates, self-care is paramount. Preparing for the hard work of disclosing our stories, facing discrimination and prejudice and doing the on-going work of maintaining our wellness all requires a strong skill set. Sometimes, despite our best efforts in resilience, a mental health crisis can re-emerge. Thus, we need a crisis plan in place BEFORE the crisis strikes.
“Responding to Grief, Trauma, and Distress After a Suicide: A Look at the National Guidelines” presented by Franklin Cook and Joanne Harpel.
“The Art and Science of Storytelling” presented by Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas.
Learn why storytelling is important to the storyteller as well as the audience, safe and effective messaging, and the craft of creating a compelling and inspiring narrative. The webinar will be facilitated Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas – speaker, trainer, change agent, and the Board President of United Suicide Survivors International.
“Change for Change Agents” presented by Eduardo Vega.
United Suicide Survivors International welcomes Eduardo Vega to talk about “Change for Change Agents” and how to bring the voice of lived experience into their organizations and understand the mechanics of transformational change.
“Appreciative Inquiry of People with Lived Experience with Suicide (Loss, Attempts, Thoughts/Feelings, Allies)” by Sally Spencer-Thomas, Eduardo Vega, and Ursula Whiteside.
Learn more about United Suicide Survivors International and hear others input into our movement.
Lifecycle
Where are you in the Lifecycle?
I’m New
What do I need to know?
Many people who are recently bereaved by suicide or recently recovering from another suicidal experience in their lives, often find themselves in a place where they feel compelled to help others in some way, to make meaning out of their despair. If you are new to this area of suicide prevention and are someone who has recently lost a loved one or who has lived through your own suicide crisis, we are so glad you are here. When we find ourselves in these major transitions, it’s a good practice to slow things down a bit, and discern: am I ready for this?
Great! Roll up your sleeves. There is a lot of work to be done. Everyone can play a role. First, let’s do a little self-assessment on your talents, passions, and circle of influence. Where does your gladness meet the world’s sadness? Take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side list “What are my talents, skills, assets, and passions?” and on the other side list “What is most upsetting to me about suicide?” By linking up the two lists, you may have a better idea on how you are best suited to serve.
Burnout in the work of suicide prevention happens to the best of us. Many of us who stay involved over the long haul do what we do because we are compassionate, giving people. Sometimes, we are not always as good at self-care as we are at taking care of others. Others of us stay involved because we see the fruits of our persistence, and then the winds of change blow in the other direction, and the setbacks are crushing. We need you, so if you are up to it, here are some steps to take to renew the warrior. (If you are not up to it, that’s okay too. See next step in the Life Cycle: Retiring)
You have completed what you came to do. Maybe it was a short-term goal that gives you great satisfaction. Maybe it was your life’s work. Now it’s time to celebrate and pass the baton. Learn some ways to transition out of the movement.
If you are hurting, afraid, or need someone to talk to we encourage you to reach out to one of the resources below. United Survivors values you and has lived through our own experiences with suicidal experiences, attempts, and loss.
If you need immediate, emergency assistance in the United States call 9-1-1 to be connected with your local emergency response services.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with thoughts of suicide/suicidal intensity, call or text the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat 9-8-8. This service is available 24/7. The Lifeline also operates a Crisis Chatin the United States. Y Lifeline ofrece 24/7, servicios gratuitos en español, y no es necesario hablar inglés si usted necesita ayuda.
Or text “United” to 741-741, the Crisis Text Line to connect with a trained crisis counselor for free 24/7.
LGBTQ+ Youth can call 1-866-488-7386 or visit The Trevor Project for alternative crisis services including chat and text or to explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more.
Global digital health services including live crisis chat, SMS texting, email, peer support forums, social media, apps, videos, and more, in this global directory.
