Parental Suicide The Stigma

Suicide always has a ripple effect that hits many, including family, friends, classmates, coworkers, and many more. It often carries a negative stigma, especially when the word selfish starts being thrown around. Parental suicide carries an even worse stigma though. Spouses, siblings, or parents of a deceased parent struggle with how or if to tell the children that their parent killed themselves. Learning of a parent’s suicide is extremely difficult for a child. They deal with thoughts of guilt and what if’s. It is also common for these children to develop mental issues of their own, specifically depression.

Many Important Questions Arise in a Family Facing Parental Suicide

* What is the right choice?
* Should you tell a child the truth if their parent kills themselves?
* Or should you hide it until they are at a better mental place to handle the trauma? 

The Telegraph  provides a few stories of parental suicide and how it was handle with the children. Let us know at The American Academy of Bereavement, what your thoughts are on telling children.

For more resources, contact the American Academy of Bereavement at 1-855-875-1066.