Talking to Kids About a Suicide of Someone Close to Them (Video)
Date
January 9, 2024
Feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, need someone to listen or need to find out how you can help someone you care about?
Child Mind Institute, has produced the video, Talking to Kids About the Suicide of Someone Close to Them. Nancy Rappaport, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who works in the public school system of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and serves as an assistant professor at Harvard University. Dr. Rappaport is additionally recognized as the author of "In Her Wake: A Child Psychiatrist Explores the Mystery of Her Mother’s Suicide." In this video, she delves into the challenging yet crucial subject of addressing suicide with children when someone close to them has tragically taken their own life.
Other 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

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.





