Losing someone you care about can be difficult at any age, and grief can feel especially isolating during the teenage years. You may feel sad, angry, confused, numb, or experience a mix of emotions that change from day to day. There is no single right way to grieve.
Connecting with others who have experienced a death can provide a space to talk, listen, and feel less alone. Support is available through grief groups, peer communities, camps, and other programs across the United States.
Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Support Group
The Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas offers Survivors of Suicide (SOS), a free support program for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide.
SOS is designed for people whose loss occurred within the past two years. The structured program meets for eight weeks and is led by two trained facilitators, at least one of whom has also experienced a suicide loss. After completing the eight-week group, participants can receive continued support through the Center’s Next Step program.
Times and locations vary, and advance registration is required. Teens and families interested in participating should contact the Center to learn about current groups and age eligibility.
Learn more: https://www.sccenter.org/programs-and-services/survivors-of-suicide/
Contact: 214-824-7020 or SOS@sccenter.org
Find a Grief Support Program Near You
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) provides a directory of organizations and programs supporting children, teens, and families who are grieving. Families can search for grief centers, support groups, camps, and other services available in their area.
Find support: https://nacg.org/find-support/
The Dougy Center
The Dougy Center provides grief resources created specifically for children, teens, young adults, and their families. Teens can find information about common grief experiences, ways to cope, and how to ask for support.
Explore resources: https://www.dougy.org/
Comfort Zone Camp
Comfort Zone Camp offers bereavement camps for children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Programs provide opportunities to connect with peers who have experienced a similar loss while participating in camp activities and grief support.
Learn more: https://comfortzonecamp.org/
Support After a Suicide Loss
Losing someone to suicide can bring additional questions and complicated emotions. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides information and resources for people who have experienced a suicide loss, including ways to connect with additional support.
Find suicide loss resources: https://afsp.org/ive-lost-someone/
If You Need Immediate Support
Grief can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you are experiencing emotional distress, thinking about suicide, or need someone to talk with right away, you can call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24/7 across the United States.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Finding the Support That Works for You
Grief support does not look the same for everyone. You might prefer talking with other teens, meeting individually with a counselor, attending a grief camp, talking with a trusted adult, or learning more about what you are experiencing.
Finding people and resources that make you feel comfortable and supported can be an important part of navigating grief.