Supporting Youth Through the Loss of Someone to Suicide
TW: This post discusses tough topics like suicide and grief. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 9-1-1 or contact one 24-hour crisis support centers below. Ophelia’s Place doesn’t provide crisis services, and we want you to be taken care of.
Looking Glass Station 7 Help Line (for Youth): 1-888-689-3111
Child and Adolescent Network Crisis Response Line (for Caregivers and Families): 1-888-989-9990
Losing someone to suicide is an overwhelming and devastating experience, especially for young people. Youth often grapple with complex emotions that can be difficult to express, and they may not always know where to turn for support. During Suicide Awareness Month, it’s crucial that we offer up conversations about loss, grief, and mental health, ensuring young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
You can help youth who are grieving the loss of someone to suicide. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend, your presence and understanding can make a lasting impact.
The Power of Listening
When a young person experiences loss, especially due to suicide, they may feel confused, angry, or even guilty. It’s important to create a safe space where they can express their feelings. Sometimes, they may just want to talk, cry, or even sit in silence. The most powerful thing you can do is listen without judgment.
Ask open-ended questions like:
“How are you feeling today?”
“What’s been on your mind?”
“Would you like to talk about what happened?”
Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers. Letting them lead the conversation helps them process their grief at their own pace.
Encourage Open, Honest Conversations
Talking about suicide is difficult, but avoiding the topic can leave a young person feeling even more isolated. Encourage open, honest conversations about their loss. Let them know it’s okay to feel sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness. These are all normal reactions to grief.
Some helpful things to say might include:
“I’m here if you ever want to talk.”
“It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling right now.”
“I’m not sure what to say, but I care about you and want to help.”
By gently guiding them to talk about their feelings, you’re helping them process their emotions in a healthy way.
Offer Resources for Support
While your support is invaluable, connecting the young person with professional resources is also important. Encourage them to talk to a counselor or therapist, or join a support group where they can meet others who understand what they’re going through. Ophelia’s Place often provides therapy groups to chat about hard topics, and its waiting list for individual and family therapy is open. Email us for more information.
There’s no shame in seeking professional help. It’s a sign of strength to reach out for support during such a difficult time.
Be Patient – Grief is a Journey
Grieving the loss of someone to suicide is not something that happens overnight. It’s a long and winding journey with no set timeline. Some days will be harder than others, and the young person may experience setbacks or moments of intense grief long after the loss.
Check-in with them regularly. Even if they seem okay on the surface, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. Simple gestures like sending a message or offering to spend time together can remind them they’re not alone.
Final Thoughts
Supporting youth through the loss of someone to suicide is incredibly challenging, but your compassion and presence can make a world of difference. It’s okay to not have all the answers. What matters most is showing up, listening, and connecting them with resources to help them heal. Remember, we’re all in this together, and no one should face the pain of loss alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftermath of suicide loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or organizations that specialize in grief support. Healing takes time, but with the right support, it’s possible to find hope and peace once again.
Some helpful resources:
Looking Glass Station 7 Help Line (for Youth): 1-888-689-3111
Child and Adolescent Network Crisis Response Line (for Caregivers and Families): 1-888-989-9990
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 988
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families – Call 503-775-5683
Lines for Life (Oregon) – Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 273TALK to 839863
Youth ERA (Oregon) – Peer-to-peer support for young people: 833-968-8372
