Supporting Children After the Suicide Death of a Classmate (Article)

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. As a parent, it is difficult to watch your child struggle with such a complex loss. However, there are things you can do to help them process their feelings in healthy and productive ways.


The Child Mind Institute's article, Supporting Children After the Suicide Death of a Classmate, offers some helpful guidance for talking with children about suicide loss, helping them process their feelings and grief, and what to do if your child has a history of depression or a suicide attempt.

Read the Article

Related Posts

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 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. 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.
A woman hugging another person.
August 6, 2025
“How to Help a Grieving Friend” is a moving and insightful animated video created by Megan Devine—an internationally recognized psychotherapist, grief advocate, and best-selling author. Devine is renowned for her empathetic approach to grief, combining over two decades of clinical experience
A woman talking to a young girl.
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
Show More