International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Tips for Parents)

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is on a Saturday before Thanksgiving week. It is a day of healing and a day to find support. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides resources for grieving, understanding, and to help someone who is a survivor of suicide loss. This day encourages you to find a safe place and to communicate with someone about your feelings. Often being a survivor makes you feel guilt, confusion, and leaves you feeling speechless. 

However, it can also make you feel lonely and can make you feel uncomfortable when it is difficult to understand it as a teenager. Being a teenager is tough, but when one experiences suicide loss in high school; It can become more difficult to comprehend it. As the years go by and you remember your classmates in high school, it can still make you feel sad. You might wonder and ask yourself questions about your suicide loss of your classmate. Nonetheless, seeking support and making connections with your high school classmates can help you with your healing process.

Find a day to remember your friend, family member, or classmate. Grieving as a teenager can be a struggle with your emotions and is difficult to adjust. If your school provides a support group, it is encouraged to attend the support group to understand and to provide support as a parent. Also, let them know that they are not alone and listen to your teenager. Nevertheless, listen to your teenager speak about their classmate that they lost, ask questions, and reassure them. 

The first few days can be difficult for a teenager and make sure they get enough sleep. Additionally, make sure they eat their meals. Help them make a memory box, scrapbook, or other arts and crafts project to remember their classmate. Keep an eye on your teenager especially if they speak to you more about death, about harming themselves, or other changes in their behavior. Consult with their doctor about any changes in behavior, eating, and sleep habits. 

Make a memorial garden or a mini herbal garden in their memory. Invite their classmate’s family to dinner and remember them. Write down their classmate’s favorite quotes or phrases. Wait for your teenager to be ready to see their friend’s gravesite or cremation niche. Nonetheless, give your teenager some space and wait for them to speak to you about their classmate. 

On this day, donate to the 988 Lifeline or to another charity that supports suicide prevention. As well as letting your teenager know that there is hope and to make acts of kindness. Make their friend’s favorite meal and remember their classmate. Watch their favorite movie, favorite sports show or listen to their favorite music. Here are resources for International Survivors of Suicide Loss. 

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day:

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | AFSP

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: A Day for Healing-Mental Health First Aid:

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: A Day for Healing « Mental Health First Aid

Supporting a Grieving Teenager-Helping Children Cope-Bereavement Support-Golisano Children's Hospital:

Supporting a Grieving Teenager - Helping Children Cope - Bereavement Support - Golisano Children's Hospital - Rochester NY - University of Rochester Medical Center

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