Children, Teens and Suicide Loss (Guide)

If you are supporting a child or teen who has experienced the loss of someone to suicide, it can be challenging to know how best to help them through their grief. The booklet, Children, Teens and Suicide Loss, created by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Dougy Center, offers clear, compassionate guidance tailored specifically for parents and guardians. Within its pages, you’ll find vital information on how young people of different ages understand and process suicide loss, practical advice on using age-appropriate language when talking about what happened, and suggestions for fostering a supportive environment as they begin to heal. You can view an online copy of the booklet here, or if you prefer, purchase a paper copy for your home or organization. This resource is here to help you navigate a difficult time with greater confidence and understanding.

Download the Booklet (PDF)
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If the child is young, your first inclination may be to protect them from this terrible news. However, the best way to protect your child is by telling them the truth as soon as possible to make sure they hear it from you first. The risk in waiting is that children are quick to pick up on the fact that something is wrong.

Children, Teens and Suicide Loss

Feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, need someone to listen

or need to find out how you can help someone you care about?

Please see Crisis Services

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