Here is recommended reading on suicide for parents and kids:
– For parents: “The Seasons of Grief: Helping Children Grow Through Loss,” by Donna Gaffney (New American Library Dutton, $8.95). “Child Survivors of Suicide: A Guidebook for Those Who Care for Them,” published by the American Suicide Foundation. For information, write: ASF, 1045 Park Ave., New York, NY 10028.
– For children: “I Wish I Were in a Lonely Meadow,” published by the Dougy Foundation, Portland, Ore. “Tunnel Vision,” by Fran Arrick (Dell, $3.50).
– If your child is a friend of a survivor of suicide, give her some guidelines. “The holidays may be a time when Anna feels a little sad. It’s OK to say to her, `I bet you miss your daddy this time of year.’ “
Prepare her also for the friend saying something like, “You know, my brother hanged himself.” Tell her that a good response might be, “Yes, I heard about that. How are you feeling about it?”
– A good answer for a child who asks, “Am I going to kill myself?” might be: “No, because that person didn’t understand he could get help, and you know if you were feeling sad or depressed, you could talk to us and we’d get you help.”
– Any child who seems disturbed or preoccupied with information about a suicide may be suffering from some anxiety. Ask your pediatrician for a psychiatric consultation.
