09/03/2025
Losing someone to su***de can leave those close to them feeling overwhelmed, confused, and deeply alone. This kind of grief often brings a complex mix of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, shame, or fear. Knowing what to say or how to help can feel daunting.
Here are thoughtful ways you can extend care:
1. Be present without judgment.
Using the person’s name, sharing a memory, or even looking over a photo together quietly honors their loved one’s memory and helps break down stigma. Sometimes, the most healing gift is simply listening without trying to explain or fix, especially when there are no answers to “Why?” or “How?”
2. Stay connected over time.
In the days following a tragedy, support often comes pouring in but then fades. Yet grief does not follow a timeline. Sending a card, a text, or checking in around significant dates such as birthdays or anniversaries can be a gentle reminder that you are still there. Inviting them to meet up or share a favorite activity, even if they say “not now,” lets them know the door remains open.
3. Watch for signs of risk and ask difficult questions.
Those grieving a su***de loss are at greater risk themselves. Be alert for behaviors like mood swings, reckless actions, withdrawal, or talk of hopelessness. If you are concerned, gently but directly ask if they have had thoughts of harming themselves. It may feel uncomfortable, but these conversations can help someone feel less isolated.
4. Act with care and urgency if needed.
If someone appears to be thinking about su***de or you fear they might act on those feelings, do not wait. Call 988 (the National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline)
Your support truly matters. Staying present, listening, and offering gentle reminders that they matter can make a difference. You are not alone in showing care and your empathy can be a lifeline.
