Postmortem genetic testing plays a crucial role in understanding sudden unexplained deaths in children (SUDC). It not only helps identify potential causes but also provides key insights for the child’s family, including assessing genetic risks for relatives.
Benefits include uncovering the cause of death, offering peace of mind, and supporting informed decision-making for at-risk family members. Learn more about how genetic testing can aid in investigations and support ongoing research
No one should grieve alone. The SUDC Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. From providing emotional support to connecting you with others who understand your journey, we are dedicated to helping you find comfort and hope.
💙 Learn more at www.sudc.org
This post is about maintenance mode. Suicidal ideation is emergency mode, and these steps would not be appropriate. If you or anyone else reading this are having suicidal ideation, please talk to someone qualified. In the US, you can dial 9-8-8.
Lift Me Up Tuesday 💛
How are you feeling today? It’s important to take a moment and check in with yourself and those around you. Whether you’re feeling “Not Good” or “Amazing!”, your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to share them.
Today, let’s make it a point to check in on our friends and loved ones. A simple “How are you?” can make a world of difference.
Remember, you’re never alone on this journey. Reach out, connect, and lift each other up. 💛
Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Peer Connection Program pairs grieving families with volunteers who have walked a similar path, offering support through shared experiences. This program complements professional counseling by providing a compassionate peer friend to listen, share, and understand.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this, request a peer friend today and connect with someone who truly understands. 💛
September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential! Here are some practical tips to help you prioritize your well-being:
💧 Drink Water First Thing in the Morning: Hydrate your body to kickstart your day with energy.
✍️ Write Down 5 Things You’re Grateful For Every Day: Gratitude shifts your mindset and keeps you grounded.
🗒 Make a Menu for the Week: Plan nourishing meals that fuel your body and reduce the stress of last-minute decisions.
🏃♀️ Move for at Least 30 Minutes a Day: Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dancing, keep your body active!
🎶 Listen to Good Music: Boost your mood with your favorite songs and let the rhythm lift your spirits.
💪 Exercise Regularly: Strengthen both your body and mind by incorporating regular physical activity into your routine.
📚 Read a Book: Escape into a story or learn something new—reading can be a great form of self-care.
🌟 Try Something New: Step out of your comfort zone and experience something different—it can be refreshing and fun!
🍽 Have a Family Dinner: Connect with loved ones over a meal. Shared moments with family nourish the soul.
Remember, self-care is about finding balance and creating habits that make you feel your best. Let’s make this month the start of a long-term commitment to YOU! 💛 Save for Later!
On #InternationalLiteracyDay, let’s broaden the conversation to include grief literacy. Just as we learn to read and write, we can also learn to understand and support those going through grief. Being grief-literate means recognizing that grief is a personal journey for everyone, offering empathy, and knowing when to listen rather than trying to fix things.
Let’s build a more compassionate, understanding world—one where we are not only literate in books, but also in the emotions that connect us all. 💛 https://sudc.org/grief-resources/
Sorry, missed the notification on this, but here's a virtual hug for you: 🫂
Hopefully you got some in-person hugs as well
Today is Grandparents Day, and we want to honor and recognize the incredible strength of those within our SUDC Community. Your love, resilience, and enduring presence are a testament to the powerful bond you shared. Today, we stand with you and acknowledge your strength. 💛
Today is your day.
Small, simple acts of self-care can make a big difference. Whether it’s a short walk, a cup of tea, or just a few moments of deep breathing, take time today to nurture your body and mind. 🌿
Naming your emotions is the first step towards healing. Whether it’s sadness, anger, or numbness, acknowledging what you feel can bring clarity and relief.
How are you feeling today? 💭
Our Sibling Card is a valuable resource for children who have experienced the loss of a sibling.
This card can be shared with the child’s medical community or pediatrician, providing essential information about SUDC and the family’s experience. It helps explain the situation without requiring you to share specific details if you’re not ready to do so. This ensures that your child receives the understanding and support they need during this difficult time.
Download the sibling card here : https://sudc.org/literature-brochures/
Note that like the 5 Stages of Grief that you've probably head of, this is an oversimplistic model. The reality involves a lot of bouncing between each of these at various times to various degrees. This book explains the process from the perspective of neuroscience and talks about a better model:
The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss
And this book talks about it more from a social perspective:
These posts are about maintaining mental health, not achieving it. If you're deeply depressed or have other serious things going on, you should talk to a professional.
Everybody's different, and each approach helps everyone differently. You might appreciate this perspective more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUhlRoBL8M