Suicide is a topic few people want to discuss but it is a serious problem and there is no way to prevent it without talking about it, understanding it, and addressing its root causes. Suicide is defined as a “fatal, self-inflicted act with the explicit or inferred intent to die” (Child and Adolescent Suicidal Behaviour).

Because death is frightening to so many of us, it is a topic we rarely discuss, even less so, with children. Adults are usually confused, tongue tied, and reticent when a family member dies and they are confronted with children who have questions and feelings, and needs.