Suicide Loss & Grief

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Loss Survivor Support

If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide, you are not alone. It can be challenging navigating the waters of grief on your own, but support is available. The Helpline Center staff is available to talk with you, either in person or over the phone. They are willing to come alongside you and help provide an empathetic presence and provide resources to help you on your grief journey. If you would like further support call 988 or click the button below.

On this page you can find the following information:

  • Survivor Support Groups
  • Surviving After Suicide Class
  • For Families & Friends
  • Loss Support Library
  • Caring Cards

Healing After a Suicide Loss

This guide was created to show that help and hope exist as you face the complex grief of losing someone to suicide. Healing can feel like moving through a wilderness, one that calls for intention, care, and empathy for yourself and others. We hope this book supports you as you confront the difficult questions and emotions that come with living forward as a suicide loss survivor.

 

Survivor Support Groups 

Both groups are open meetings, meaning any survivor over 18 can attend at any time, once or as long as you need.  There is no cost to attend the groups.  You will receive a Zoom link once you register for the Virtual Support Group. 

In-Person Support Group

Meets the third Thursday of every month at the Helpline Center in Sioux Falls from 6:30pm-8:00pm CST (no registration necessary).

Virtual Support Group

The virtual loss survivor group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm-8:00pm CST (click here to register).

Surviving After Suicide Class

Oct. 13 – Nov. 17, 2026
Tuesdays at 6:30pm
Helpline Center (3817 S Elmwood Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105)

The Surviving After Suicide Class is a 6 week education and support based class for adults that is designed to support survivors as they seek to understand and express grief. Each night of class focuses on a unique aspect of suicide loss survivor grief and allows for survivors to share their personal experiences with grief. This supportive mourning process is guided by a book written by Dr. Alan Wolfelt that includes practical strategies for coping and healing after suicide loss.

Classes are free (must be 18+ years old). Registration is required.

For Families & Friends

A death by suicide impacts at an estimated six family members. The loss of a family member or friend can be especially difficult for the entire family to manage. These people may find that they grieve differently than one another, and it is important to consider how children experience grief and loss. There are age-appropriate ways to talk with children about suicide death and the resulting grief. The emotions a child experiences may be difficult for them to put words to, often receiving help from honest conversations with trusted adults. 

We at the Helpline Center are here to support you as you support others. Although there is no singular way to ease another’s pain and grief, may you find inspiration in this book to bring healing to others. Know that resources are available for you and those you support. The journey of a suicide grief survivor is not meant to be traveled alone.

Supporting Others Through Suicide Grief

This guide offers tools to help you support someone through suicide loss grief. Walking beside them can feel uncertain, and you may worry about saying the wrong thing. Support requires intention, care, and empathy for both them and yourself. We hope this book strengthens your ability to offer comfort and encourage hope.

 

Loss Support Library

The Helpline Center’s Survivor Resource Library is filled with books specific to suicide grief. These are available to South Dakota loss survivors due to a generous donation from a survivor and funds from The 437 Project. Topics in the library include grief for children, adolescents and adults. You may select up to three books, which we will send to you at no charge. Click on the link below to explore the books.  

Caring Cards

Caring cards are made by survivors and volunteers who understand the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. The cards are sent to survivors near the anniversary of their loved one’s death. Click the button below if you are interested in receiving a caring card or helping make them.