Surviving a Suicide Loss  |  Resource and Healing Guide
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•	 Allow them to express their feelings, answer their questions, 
and provide them with affection
•	 Play! Kids grieve in spurts; they may not always be sad or 
crying, and may want to engage in play; play is an important 
part of healing for children, and allowing them the space to 
play will help them heal and grow
The greatest gift you can give children is your assurance of love 
and support, and taking care of yourself so that your presence 
remains stabilizing for the child. 
AFSP partnered with The Dougy Center: The National Center for 
Grieving Children and Families to create a booklet of information 
on talking with children and teens about suicide. The booklet can 
be found at afsp.org/ChildrenTeensAndSuicideLoss.
Support Groups
Being in the presence of other suicide 
loss survivors can play a crucial part in the 
healing process. 
The support and sense of connection felt through sharing grief 
and experiences with other loss survivors can help break the 
isolation suicide loss often brings. The most common way this 
sharing and connection occurs is through suicide loss survivor 
support groups. These groups provide a safe place where loss 
survivors can share their experiences and support each other.
Some suicide loss survivors attend a support group almost 
immediately, while some wait years. Others attend for a year or 
two and then go only occasionally on anniversaries, holidays, or 
particularly difficult days. You may find that it takes a few meetings 
before you begin to feel comfortable.

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