Kaleidoscope of aid for Parents Whose Child Died by Suicidal and Sudden, Non-Suicidal Means

The sudden loss of a child, especially by suicide, can be a lifelong sentence of suffering for the bereaved parents. Reaching out for help is often an inconceivable & impossible task for the parent survivors due to the complex grief process that is experienced. What roles helpers can play, who can fill this position of helper, & what criteria such providers of assistance must meet to be effective are addressed. Special considerations in counselling suicide survivors are summarized. (46 refs.)