20 years ago, Nick lost a friend at high school to suicide. Nick’s friend, Zaf had struggled with what was known as Manic Depression at the time (now recognised as Bipolar) and Nick discusses the struggles Zaf faced as a teenager.

Nick shares the effect grief and guilt had on him and, without any support available to him or his friends at the time, why he had no idea how (or even why) to process his feelings.

We hope that by Nick sharing his story, we can understand how adolescents may process grief and how we can best support them. For example, we discuss how it is best to foster open emotional relationships with adolescents so that when events like this happen, talking about emotions is acceptable and safe.

Nick has learnt how to embrace his feelings and feels he is more emotionally mature due to what happened to Zaf. In particular, Nick has channelled some of his guilt into becoming a Samaritans listening volunteer and discusses the charity’s values and beliefs about suicide and how they support suicidal people.

Please listen with care and know there are people out there that can help and support you. 

Within the UK: 

Samaritans - Free on 116 123 

Suicide&Co - Free on 0800 054 8400 Mon-Friday 9aam-9pm 

Within the US: 

Suicide Hotline: Free on 1-800-273-8255 or text 742741 

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For more resources: www.suicidegriefsupport.com

For EMDR Grief Retreats - www.EMDRGriefRetreat.com