The death by suicide of a young person is devastating and a very traumatic experience for family and friends; it marks us for life.

Socially we may feel questioned and even internalize this feeling, generating feelings of guilt that are very deep, present from the very initial moments of grief for suicide.

It is advisable at the beginning to offer companionship, respecting the needs of the bereaved, helping with the most essential and basic things including self-care; do not make judgments or opinions about the person who died by suicide.

The key is to listen without using phrases like, "I know how you feel" (unless you've been through something similar), "Cheer up for your other children," "Stop crying," or "You have to accept it." These expressions don't help; on the contrary, they cause more pain. Death by suicide, always unexpected and traumatic, is compounded by the experience of a death that comes too soon: parents are never truly prepared to bury their children.

It is recommended to tell children, teenagers, and young adults in the family what has happened as soon as possible. It is important that they are informed by a direct adult, preferably their parents, or siblings if they are involved.

It is highly recommended to connect with others who have experienced this and who offer support, individually or in groups, for managing the overwhelming emotions and feelings of complex grief. You can find this support through survivor associations, such as After Suicide - Survivors Association or Papageno .