Resource Centre
Find information to help you support mental well-being and resilience for your family members, your community members, or your clients.
View Suicide Loss Toolkits
View Resources by Population
View Resources by Media Type
Suicide Loss Toolkits

Toolkit for
Families and Loved Ones
Guidance for people grieving the loss of someone to suicide, with support for coping, talking with others, and finding help.

Toolkit for
Workplaces
Practical guidance for workplaces responding to suicide loss and supporting staff and colleagues.
Resources by Population
For Individuals

July 8, 2025
Issued by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, this resource was created with input, feedback, and guidance from the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and individuals with lived experience related to suicide.

January 19, 2024
For someone impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, telling their story can be cathartic. However, when considering telling the story publicly, it's critical to determine if the story will be safe for others to hear. Created by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide is a guide for
For Friends and Family Members

January 3, 2026
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 the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Dougy Centre , 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. Another helpful resource is the book Why? A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide . The American Psychological Association presents the book in the video, Why?, read by Melissa Allen Heath.

August 6, 2025
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, comp

July 8, 2025
Issued by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, this resource was created with input, feedback, and guidance from the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and individuals with lived experience related to suicide.

January 19, 2024
For someone impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, telling their story can be cathartic. However, when considering telling the story publicly, it's critical to determine if the story will be safe for others to hear. Created by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide is a guide for

January 17, 2024
Dealing with the aftermath of a suicide can be incredibly complex and challenging for family and friends, both emotionally and practically. This guide is a modified version of Alberta's Hope and Healing: A Practical Guide for Survivors of Suicide--developed to provide practical advice to individuals in Alberta who

January 12, 2024
Experiencing the aftermath of losing someone to suicide can be likened to riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. In this podcast, Dr. Sarra Nazem and Dr. Nina Gutin lead listeners through the personal journeys of family members and friends who have experienced such a loss. Together, they shed light on the profound impact it has on both the individuals

January 12, 2024
The tragic loss of a classmate to suicide can have a profound impact on a child, stirring a range of emotions such as confusion, sadness, and anxiety. It may create an atmosphere of uncertainty and vulnerability as children grapple with the complexities of mental health and mortality.

January 10, 2024
Navigating the journey of grief following a suicide is incredibly difficult, to say the least. The journey can be particularly confusing and frightening for children and adolescents who may lack the intellectual abilities, coping mechanisms, and life experiences to navigate it effectively.

January 6, 2024
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center together with the NORC at the University of Chicago, published a resource guide, Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+. Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities. This resource guide, developed with input from LGBTQIA2S+

January 2, 2024
When a suicide occurs, children require the love and support of reliable adults. Providing this assistance can be challenging, particularly if you are grappling with your own grief. During times like this, you may feel uncertain about how to approach a child to talk about a death and suicide.

January 2, 2024
The way children respond to a death is complex and varies based on their age, understanding, and relationship with the person who died. Younger children may struggle to comprehend the permanence of death, often expressing confusion or asking repetitive questions as they attempt to make sense of the situation.
For Professionals

May 2, 2025
When tragedy strikes, informed, compassionate leadership can make all the difference. The “Postvention Guide for CAF Leadership” is a comprehensive resource from the Department of National Defence, designed to help Canadian Armed Forces leaders respond effectively after a suicide or suicide attempt within their ranks.

January 19, 2024
For someone impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, telling their story can be cathartic. However, when considering telling the story publicly, it's critical to determine if the story will be safe for others to hear. Created by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide is a guide for

January 18, 2024
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs--Postvention Practices for Mental Health Centers and Private Practices. In this podcast, Dr. Sarra Nazem, along with Dr. Larry Berkowitz and Eliza Jordan Dolan, LISCW from the Riverside Trauma Center, discuss their experiences and extensive knowledge in consulting, participating,

January 17, 2024
In school communities, suicide can have a ripple effect, especially for adolescent populations. To reduce the risk of additional suicides or suicidal behaviours, school psychologists need an understanding of suicide contagion and clusters. Suicide contagion refers to the phenomenon where exposure to suicidal behaviour or suicidal

January 17, 2024
The sudden and tragic suicide of a law enforcement officer can be devastating, leaving the department, family, and loved ones in shock. In order to provide the necessary support during this difficult time, it is crucial for the executive level and command staff to know how to respond effectively.

January 17, 2024
While most workplaces have protocols and strategies in place to handle various types of incidents, not all of them have a plan specifically designed for how to respond after a suicide. It is crucial for workplaces to be prepared with a suicide postvention plan in case they are faced with the tragic loss of an employee to suicide.

January 11, 2024
Amidst the challenges faced by agencies, lawmakers, families, and communities dealing with the public health crisis of suicide, professionals in the behavioural health field confront an additional concern: addressing the emotional and psychological impact of a client's suicide on caregivers.

January 11, 2024
In the article, Helping Survivors in the Aftermath of Suicide Loss, Nina Gutin, Ph.D., describes what makes suicide loss unique and the optimal interventions to assist loved ones impacted. Dr. Gutin further discusses common themes in the suicide grief process, goals and tasks in suicide bereavement, the clinician's role in helping survivors integrate the loss, and key considerations and interventions to help survivors.

January 11, 2024
Faith leaders play a pivotal role in supporting mental well-being and averting the tragedy of suicide. Across diverse spiritual and religious faiths, these leaders have a rich history of guiding individuals through life's entire spectrum, offering advice and support from birth to death.

January 11, 2024
Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss: A Guide for Funeral Directors offers essential insights and practical guidance to assist funeral directors in enhancing their support for individuals in the aftermath of a suicide loss. It additionally recommends valuable resources tailored for those who have experienced such a loss.

January 10, 2024
The Centre for Suicide Prevention and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention have developed a resource guide for organizations and group facilitators who are currently operating or interested in starting a suicide bereavement group. Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: A Guide shares strategies

January 10, 2024
Following a suicide, faith leaders are frequently sought to offer care and assistance to the deceased person's family, friends, and the broader community. As these leaders assist others along the complex grief journey after a suicide, they may encounter specific stressors and difficulties that impact their own well-being.

January 10, 2024
Developed in response to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate's Investigative Review: Toward a Better Tomorrow--Addressing the Challenge of Aboriginal Youth Suicide, this guide is an invitation to unite youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and individuals engaged in Indigenous youth work to design, plan and launch life promotion strategies and initiatives that bolster community well-bein

January 6, 2024
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center together with the NORC at the University of Chicago, published a resource guide, Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+. Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities. This resource guide, developed with input from LGBTQIA2S+

January 5, 2024
The Centre for Suicide Prevention's toolkit, Indigenous People, Trauma and Suicide Prevention, is a resource designed to provide an introduction to the issues of trauma and suicide within Indigenous communities. The toolkit offers a statistical glimpse into the prevalence of trauma and suicide for Indigenous peoples,

January 2, 2024
Developed by HEMHA--Higher Educational Mental Health Alliance Project, Postvention: A Guide for Response to Suicide on College Campuses is designed for colleges and universities dealing with or aiming to prepare for campus crises and deaths. It focuses on suicide postvention, emphasizing the importance of predetermined strategies to respond to campus deaths sensitively and
For Community Groups

January 11, 2024
Switchboard Victoria's (Australia) LGBTIQA+ community and peer-led Suicide Postvention Response Plan: Preliminary Findings (2020) presents findings from their research study and offers general guidelines for LGBTIQA+ communities and peer organizations engaged in providing postvention support following the suicide death of an LGBTIQA+ individual.

January 10, 2024
Postvention initiatives play a vital role in aiding individuals impacted by suicide, such as those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, and in mitigating the potential for additional suicides or crises. These initiatives encompass follow-up education, peer support, employee assistance programs,

January 10, 2024
Developed in response to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate's Investigative Review: Toward a Better Tomorrow--Addressing the Challenge of Aboriginal Youth Suicide, this guide is an invitation to unite youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and individuals engaged in Indigenous youth work to design, plan and launch life promotion strategies and initiatives that bolster community well-bein

January 6, 2024
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center together with the NORC at the University of Chicago, published a resource guide, Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+. Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities. This resource guide, developed with input from LGBTQIA2S+

January 5, 2024
The Centre for Suicide Prevention's toolkit, Indigenous People, Trauma and Suicide Prevention, is a resource designed to provide an introduction to the issues of trauma and suicide within Indigenous communities. The toolkit offers a statistical glimpse into the prevalence of trauma and suicide for Indigenous peoples,

January 2, 2024
Developed by HEMHA--Higher Educational Mental Health Alliance Project, Postvention: A Guide for Response to Suicide on College Campuses is designed for colleges and universities dealing with or aiming to prepare for campus crises and deaths. It focuses on suicide postvention, emphasizing the importance of predetermined strategies to respond to campus deaths sensitively and

January 2, 2024
The Suicide Prevention Resources Centre's guide, After a Suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances, addresses the profound impact of suicide on the community of survivors, emphasizing the unique challenges associated with grieving a death caused by suicide as opposed to natural causes or accidents.

January 2, 2024
The British Columbia First Nations Health Authority Health Through Wellness has published a valuable resource for First Nations, Aboriginal, and Indigenous communities, as well as Health Directors, Band Managers, community health workers, and other professionals engaged in suicide prevention and response efforts.
Resources by Media Type
Articles

January 17, 2024
In school communities, suicide can have a ripple effect, especially for adolescent populations. To reduce the risk of additional suicides or suicidal behaviours, school psychologists need an understanding of suicide contagion and clusters. Suicide contagion refers to the phenomenon where exposure to suicidal behaviour or suicidal

January 12, 2024
The tragic loss of a classmate to suicide can have a profound impact on a child, stirring a range of emotions such as confusion, sadness, and anxiety. It may create an atmosphere of uncertainty and vulnerability as children grapple with the complexities of mental health and mortality.

January 11, 2024
In the article, Helping Survivors in the Aftermath of Suicide Loss, Nina Gutin, Ph.D., describes what makes suicide loss unique and the optimal interventions to assist loved ones impacted. Dr. Gutin further discusses common themes in the suicide grief process, goals and tasks in suicide bereavement, the clinician's role in helping survivors integrate the loss, and key considerations and interventions to help survivors.

January 10, 2024
Navigating the journey of grief following a suicide is incredibly difficult, to say the least. The journey can be particularly confusing and frightening for children and adolescents who may lack the intellectual abilities, coping mechanisms, and life experiences to navigate it effectively.

January 2, 2024
When a suicide occurs, children require the love and support of reliable adults. Providing this assistance can be challenging, particularly if you are grappling with your own grief. During times like this, you may feel uncertain about how to approach a child to talk about a death and suicide.

January 2, 2024
The way children respond to a death is complex and varies based on their age, understanding, and relationship with the person who died. Younger children may struggle to comprehend the permanence of death, often expressing confusion or asking repetitive questions as they attempt to make sense of the situation.
Guides and Toolkits

August 6, 2025
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, comp

July 8, 2025
Issued by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, this resource was created with input, feedback, and guidance from the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and individuals with lived experience related to suicide.

May 2, 2025
When tragedy strikes, informed, compassionate leadership can make all the difference. The “Postvention Guide for CAF Leadership” is a comprehensive resource from the Department of National Defence, designed to help Canadian Armed Forces leaders respond effectively after a suicide or suicide attempt within their ranks.

January 19, 2024
For someone impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, telling their story can be cathartic. However, when considering telling the story publicly, it's critical to determine if the story will be safe for others to hear. Created by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide is a guide for

January 17, 2024
The sudden and tragic suicide of a law enforcement officer can be devastating, leaving the department, family, and loved ones in shock. In order to provide the necessary support during this difficult time, it is crucial for the executive level and command staff to know how to respond effectively.

January 17, 2024
Dealing with the aftermath of a suicide can be incredibly complex and challenging for family and friends, both emotionally and practically. This guide is a modified version of Alberta's Hope and Healing: A Practical Guide for Survivors of Suicide--developed to provide practical advice to individuals in Alberta who

January 11, 2024
Amidst the challenges faced by agencies, lawmakers, families, and communities dealing with the public health crisis of suicide, professionals in the behavioural health field confront an additional concern: addressing the emotional and psychological impact of a client's suicide on caregivers.

January 11, 2024
Faith leaders play a pivotal role in supporting mental well-being and averting the tragedy of suicide. Across diverse spiritual and religious faiths, these leaders have a rich history of guiding individuals through life's entire spectrum, offering advice and support from birth to death.

January 11, 2024
Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss: A Guide for Funeral Directors offers essential insights and practical guidance to assist funeral directors in enhancing their support for individuals in the aftermath of a suicide loss. It additionally recommends valuable resources tailored for those who have experienced such a loss.

January 10, 2024
Postvention initiatives play a vital role in aiding individuals impacted by suicide, such as those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, and in mitigating the potential for additional suicides or crises. These initiatives encompass follow-up education, peer support, employee assistance programs,

January 10, 2024
The Centre for Suicide Prevention and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention have developed a resource guide for organizations and group facilitators who are currently operating or interested in starting a suicide bereavement group. Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: A Guide shares strategies

January 10, 2024
Developed in response to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate's Investigative Review: Toward a Better Tomorrow--Addressing the Challenge of Aboriginal Youth Suicide, this guide is an invitation to unite youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and individuals engaged in Indigenous youth work to design, plan and launch life promotion strategies and initiatives that bolster community well-bein

January 6, 2024
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center together with the NORC at the University of Chicago, published a resource guide, Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+. Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities. This resource guide, developed with input from LGBTQIA2S+

January 5, 2024
The Centre for Suicide Prevention's toolkit, Indigenous People, Trauma and Suicide Prevention, is a resource designed to provide an introduction to the issues of trauma and suicide within Indigenous communities. The toolkit offers a statistical glimpse into the prevalence of trauma and suicide for Indigenous peoples,

January 2, 2024
Developed by HEMHA--Higher Educational Mental Health Alliance Project, Postvention: A Guide for Response to Suicide on College Campuses is designed for colleges and universities dealing with or aiming to prepare for campus crises and deaths. It focuses on suicide postvention, emphasizing the importance of predetermined strategies to respond to campus deaths sensitively and

January 2, 2024
The Suicide Prevention Resources Centre's guide, After a Suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances, addresses the profound impact of suicide on the community of survivors, emphasizing the unique challenges associated with grieving a death caused by suicide as opposed to natural causes or accidents.

January 2, 2024
The British Columbia First Nations Health Authority Health Through Wellness has published a valuable resource for First Nations, Aboriginal, and Indigenous communities, as well as Health Directors, Band Managers, community health workers, and other professionals engaged in suicide prevention and response efforts.

January 2, 2024
The way children respond to a death is complex and varies based on their age, understanding, and relationship with the person who died. Younger children may struggle to comprehend the permanence of death, often expressing confusion or asking repetitive questions as they attempt to make sense of the situation.
Podcasts

January 18, 2024
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs--Postvention Practices for Mental Health Centers and Private Practices. In this podcast, Dr. Sarra Nazem, along with Dr. Larry Berkowitz and Eliza Jordan Dolan, LISCW from the Riverside Trauma Center, discuss their experiences and extensive knowledge in consulting, participating,

January 12, 2024
Experiencing the aftermath of losing someone to suicide can be likened to riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. In this podcast, Dr. Sarra Nazem and Dr. Nina Gutin lead listeners through the personal journeys of family members and friends who have experienced such a loss. Together, they shed light on the profound impact it has on both the individuals
Videos

January 3, 2026
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 the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Dougy Centre , 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. Another helpful resource is the book Why? A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide . The American Psychological Association presents the book in the video, Why?, read by Melissa Allen Heath.

January 17, 2024
While most workplaces have protocols and strategies in place to handle various types of incidents, not all of them have a plan specifically designed for how to respond after a suicide. It is crucial for workplaces to be prepared with a suicide postvention plan in case they are faced with the tragic loss of an employee to suicide.

January 10, 2024
Following a suicide, faith leaders are frequently sought to offer care and assistance to the deceased person's family, friends, and the broader community. As these leaders assist others along the complex grief journey after a suicide, they may encounter specific stressors and difficulties that impact their own well-being.
Other Media Types

January 17, 2024
While most workplaces have protocols and strategies in place to handle various types of incidents, not all of them have a plan specifically designed for how to respond after a suicide. It is crucial for workplaces to be prepared with a suicide postvention plan in case they are faced with the tragic loss of an employee to suicide.

January 11, 2024
Switchboard Victoria's (Australia) LGBTIQA+ community and peer-led Suicide Postvention Response Plan: Preliminary Findings (2020) presents findings from their research study and offers general guidelines for LGBTIQA+ communities and peer organizations engaged in providing postvention support following the suicide death of an LGBTIQA+ individual.
All Resources

January 3, 2026
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 the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Dougy Centre , 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. Another helpful resource is the book Why? A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide . The American Psychological Association presents the book in the video, Why?, read by Melissa Allen Heath.

August 6, 2025
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, comp































