24/07/2026
July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Losing a child is an unimaginable pain that can feel isolating and overwhelming. You may feel like no one truly understands the depth of your grief. For parents who have lost a child to su***de, this loss can be compounded by guilt, anger, or the weight of stigma surrounding your loss.
Growing up in a small town, Lisa had no family history of su***de and didn’t know anyone who had taken their own life. That changed when her daughter, Tess, died at the age of 25.
In Lisa’s early grief, she was consumed by sadness and guilt. She never thought she would outlive her child. She contacted a medium, which gave her comfort knowing that Tess was at peace. She also found a therapist and developed self-care strategies that she can turn to on hard days.
Today, six years into her grief journey, Lisa channels her loss into helping others as a volunteer with Samaritans Su***de Grief Support Services, including facilitating a SafePlace grief support group for parents and guardians who have lost a child to su***de.
If you have lost a child to su***de, you don’t have to navigate your grief alone. Samaritans Su***de Grief Support Services offer virtual and in-person groups for parents and guardians who have lost a child to su***de. Reach out at samaritanshope.org/gss to get connected with our caring community of loss survivors.
