By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The survivors of people who have committed suicide will gather at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center Saturday afternoon for support and healing. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is National Survivors of Suicide Day.
Renae Carapella's 19-year-old brother committed suicide in October 2005, a loss she deeply feels to this very day. She is now the regional coordinator for the American Society for Suicide Prevention. Carapella says she and her family knew her brother, Raymond, was suffering from depression and they tried to help. She says the guilt she feels is very common among survivors.
It's estimated that 33,000 people commit suicide each year in the United States. Carapella says family members should not be afraid of asking if a troubled loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
The message being sent at Saturday's conference, says Carapella, is that the survivors of suicide are not alone. She says there are support groups and other services available to help survivors cope with the guilt and pain they feel.
Click the audio player above to hear our extended interview with Renae Carapella now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.