Eye of the Survivor: Lessons Learned from United Suicide Survivors International and the Power of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention and Suicide Grief Support

Body of Abstract: This presentation explores the transformative impact of storytelling on suicide prevention and grief support, backed by recent research and data from United Suicide Survivors International storytelling retreats. Storytelling not only fosters healing for the person sharing but also creates powerful connections with the audience, supporting broader societal change in understanding suicide.
Research highlights the profound effects of storytelling. The Papageno Effect, identified by Dr. Thomas Niederkrotenthaler, demonstrates that stories of resilience and overcoming suicidal intensity offer hope to those facing similar challenges. This effect shows that sharing personal recovery stories can provide listeners with a sense of alternative paths during times of crisis, decreasing feelings of isolation and despair.
A recent study by Kirchner and Niederkrotenthaler (2024) provides qualitative data on the experiences of suicide survivors who publicly share their stories. Findings indicate that storytellers often experience significant personal growth and self-confidence. They reported that storytelling helped them make sense of their experiences, finding purpose and empowerment in advocating for others. Importantly, these stories, shared through media and public platforms, contribute to a supportive culture by offering understanding and alternative perspectives to the public.
The data from our storytelling retreats aligns with these findings. Post-retreat surveys reveal that 95% of participants found the retreat highly impactful, and nearly all indicated they were likely to recommend it to others. Additionally, our outcomes indicate a significant increase in participants' confidence in sharing their experiences: 80% of attendees expressed readiness to share their stories in intimate settings, while 60% felt equipped to speak in larger public forums. These retreats provide structured, supportive environments where participants learn to craft and share their narratives, building both personal resilience and community connection.
At our retreats, we observe firsthand how structured storytelling supports healing. The process enables participants to transform painful experiences into advocacy, creating advocates for change and understanding. As they share their stories, they bring clarity and inspiration to listeners, helping others recognize the possibility of recovery and instilling hope in those struggling with similar issues.
This presentation will showcase retreat outcomes and participant stories, demonstrating how storytelling can build empathy, reduce isolation, and foster a culture of support. By advancing a narrative of hope, connection, and resilience, storytelling offers a powerful tool in reshaping societal responses to suicide, promoting both individual and communal healing.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe the impact of storytelling on survivors, listeners, and communities, explaining how shared narratives foster healing, connection, and resilience.
• To identify key elements of the structured storytelling retreat process and its outcomes, analyzing how the experience builds participants' confidence, self-agency, and readiness to advocate.
• To assess the value of empowerment and community solidarity in storytelling, evaluating how claiming one's narrative can transform personal hardship into a strength-based resource for individual and collective growth.