Dougy Center and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have a long history of partnering to support children and teens impacted by suicide loss. In 2017, the two organizations came together to create a nationally distributed educational resource meant to support families of young suicide loss survivors and better support their complex practical and emotional needs.
"Families who are grieving after a suicide loss often experience an intense and complicated grief. Guidance, support and sense of connection can make all the difference, especially when it comes to addressing the needs of grieving children and adolescents," said Dr. Christine Moutier, AFSP's Chief Medical Officer. "This new resource offers practical advice on guiding young people through grief after a suicide loss, and creating techniques for children and teens to cope in settings like attending a funeral and returning to school. It's our hope to provide tools for their healing journey together."
"The suicide death of a parent, sibling, or friend impacts children and teens forever. Children, Teens and Suicide Loss offers useful suggestions and practical ways to support bereaved children and their families. Included are tips on understanding and explaining why people die of suicide, navigating the immediate aftermath of the death, and ways to facilitate healthy grieving. This resource will help parents, professionals who work with children and teens, as well as anyone who wants to support a family bereaved after the suicide death of a loved one," said Donna Schuurman, Ed.D, F.T., Senior Director for Advocacy and Training of Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families.
You can find the book in English and Spanish in Dougy Center's Bookstore.
