The SUDC Foundation offers a multitude of comprehensive services for you at no cost. Whether you are newly- bereaved, have a clear understanding of why your child died or not, please contact us today and let us help. Our community of over 900 families worldwide is ready to support you in any way we can. Our community of over 900 families worldwide is ready to support you in anyway we can. For more information, view a list of our detailed services here.

 

Grief is a natural process of emotions that occurs when someone dies. Grief integrates into normal routines at variable timeframes for each person. It can be an intense, lonely, and personal experience. No two people will experience the death of a child the same way. A sudden, unexpected death of a child is different from any other death because children are "not supposed to die." The death is incomprehensible. 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. When your child dies, not only does the death destroy the dreams and hope you had as parents, but it also forces your family to face an event for which you are not prepared. Many parents wonder if they will be able to tolerate the pain, to survive it and be able to feel that life has meaning again. Grief can have its ups and downs. Intense reactions may return on specific dates (birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc.), or in connection with milestone events (moving from the home where the child died, the growth of a subsequent sibling beyond the age of the child that died, etc). As time moves on, the pain from grief becomes less sharp and more integrated into your life. Happiness does return, very, very slowly at first. At some point you begin to laugh and to appreciate life again. You are a changed person and will never be the same. Family, friends, and your community at large can help you to slowly start your journey to healing. 

  1. Grief is a journey of ups and downs, there’s no right path; take your own way in your own time.  
  2. Just like any other journey your body is need fuel to maintain.  Make sure to eat and stay hydrated.   
  3. Sleep may be difficult at times, but make sure you get enough. 
  4. It’s easy to try to fall back into the old habits of life and keep everyone happy, but you need to allow yourself to take breaks. 
  5. It’s okay to say no sometimes. You’re entitled to a break. 
  6. You can’t say no to everything, but you don’t always have to stay the whole time. Have an escape plan available for events that may overwhelm your emotions.    
  7. Find a network of peers to connect with and share your experiences with. 
  8. Allow yourself to feel your feelings.  
  9. Use journaling to channel your emotions.  
  10. Listen to your feelings! If you are feeling hopeless or want to hurt yourself or others, please reach out to the crisis hotline or text the crisis text line for immediate assistance!