Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, with 30,000 documented cases per year. It is the eighth leading cause of death in children and the third leading cause of death in adolescents. For every suicide a minimum of five family members or significant others are affected. These survivors go through a difficult period of postvention, when they work toward emotional and psychological recovery and readjustment. Suicide, with its taboo and stigma, often cuts off normal avenues of grief support. All survivors, from immediate family members to friends to professional associates, feel responsible for the loss. The death is particularly traumatic because there is no warning, no ability to plan, and little support from others who are themselves uncomfortable with the suicide. Guilt, hostility, rage, anger, social stigma, loss, emptiness, and a prolonged period of self-questioning must all be dealt with. Professionals can provide assistance in meeting survivors' needs through recognizing the need for services, becoming aware of the dimensions of the problem, becoming knowledgeable in suicidology and bereavement, becoming skilled in techniques of self-help and support groups, and by working in an interdisciplinary manner. (BL)