Toolkit
For Families and Loved Ones Navigating a Suicide Loss
Explore the Toolkit
Download the full toolkit (PDF)
Explore the Toolkit
Download the full toolkit (PDF)
Introduction
This toolkit is created specifically for families, partners, and close friends in Saskatchewan who have experienced a suicide loss. While professionals may also find it helpful, this resource is designed first and foremost for you, someone grieving in this unique province. Unlike general grief resources, it offers information, guidance, practical suggestions, and Saskatchewan-specific supports to help you navigate both the immediate aftermath and the ongoing journey of grief that can follow a suicide loss.
Wherever you are in your grief journey, and whatever your relationship to the person who died, you are welcome here.
Where to Start in this Toolkit
Following a suicide loss, it can be hard to know what you need or where to begin. You do not have to read the sections of this toolkit in order or read them all at once. Use this guide to find the sections that best fit what you're experiencing or need right now.
If the death is very recent (hours, days, or the first few weeks):
You may be dealing with police, the coroner, funeral homes, or media, just trying to get through each day—or even each hour.
You might want to start with:
What to Expect Immediately After a Suicide
Guidance on practical next steps and immediate supports.
Common Emotional and Physical Reactions to Suicide Loss
What you may notice in yourself and others during this time.
If you are a few months into your grief:
As the initial shock begins to ease, you may notice waves of intense emotion, exhaustion, or recurring questions about "why" and "what now."
You might want to start with:
The Grief Journey and Understanding and Coping with Grief After Suicide
Understanding the emotional terrain of grief.
Suicide Loss: Why It Feels Different and Understanding Suicide Stigma
Exploring what can make this type of loss especially complex.
If you are parenting or caring for children and youth:
Supporting children while grieving yourself can feel especially hard.
You might want to start with:
Supporting Grieving Children and Youth
Helping children understand and express grief safely.
How to Be Supportive When You're Grieving Too
Finding balance between your own needs and theirs.
If you are looking for ongoing or specialized support:
You may be searching for counselling, support groups, online communities, or resources for specific communities.
You might want to start with:
Long-Term Support
Resources for Specific Groups
Self-Help Tools & Additional Resources
If your loss is recent...
You may be reading this in the first days or weeks after your loved one’s death. If the words feel too much right now, it is okay to read only a few lines and then stop. Return whenever you are ready.
Purpose of the toolkit
The Toolkit for Families and Loved Ones Navigating Suicide Loss is designed for those in Saskatchewan who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Losing someone to suicide can be isolating, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. This resource aims to help those who have experienced this devastating loss feel less alone by providing information and encouragement, and by identifying support resources you may need as you begin to navigate the days, weeks, and months ahead.
What You'll Find Inside
- Insights into understanding grief, trauma, and loss after suicide.
- Practical guidance for addressing immediate needs such as funeral arrangements and communicating with friends, family, and the wider community.
- Suggestions to help you care for yourself and your family members, including children and youth.
- A directory of local and provincial resources, support groups, and crisis services to help you find the support you need when you need it.
- Printable tools, including a
First Week Practical Checklist, a
My Safety Plan, and a
My Support Circle
worksheet, are available in the appendices and online with this toolkit.
