Butler community members recognize Survivors of Suicide Loss day
CENTER TWP — At Trinity Lutheran Church Saturday, Nov. 22, two miniature trees were decorated with 28 paper cranes.
The cranes represent how many people in Butler County died by suicide in 2024.
“If you hear a number, 28 people, in your mind you’re not realizing, but when you see it, you realize that’s a lot of people. It helps with the visual of, these are people,” Amy Cirelli of the Butler County Suicide Coalition said.
Nov. 22 was International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. At Trinity Lutheran Church, the Butler County Suicide Coalition brought community members who have lost loved ones to suicide came together to be there for each other and share their experiences of grieving and healing.
“It’s a time for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to come together with other people who have experienced the same kind of loss, and to just get support from one another, understanding your with a group of people who are in the same boat,” Cirelli said.
Carrie Hall, who shared her story to those in attendance, said boyfriend died by suicide in October 2024.
Hall, who said she is in recovery, wants people to know that it is important to lean on others who have similar experiences, and that it is OK to grieve while moving forward.
“It hasn’t been very long, it really hasn’t been very easy either, but I share his story, and I also share mine, because as someone who’s in recovery, I want that to show people to keep fighting. That I didn’t relapse, I’m still sober, and still helping people by sharing my story,” Hall said. “And that it’s OK to grieve, and to be sad, but to keep fighting as well.”
While those who gathered at Trinity Lutheran Church smiled and laughed while participating in art therapy, they acknowledged they had a unique perspective not many can understand, and support from one another is crucial in getting through the personal struggle of losing someone near and dear to suicide.
Cirelli said the Butler County Suicide Coalition’s mission is to reduce suicides through education, resources and support. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month.
The group gave out information on resources and important information people should know about suicide. Important resources include the Butler County Crisis Line at 1-800-292-3866, or by text at 63288. Cirelli also said it’s important for people to know the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by call or text at 988.
“I think it’s important for us because we’re still holding on to a lot of pain. And we still need support. I think also for me, it’s helping me to be able to grow around my grief,” Hall said. “It’s really hard to talk about, but it’s a little bit easier when you’re with people who understand the same thing you’ve been through, because not many people have.”
