Supporting Those Grieving Suicide Loss

Supporting Those Grieving Suicide Loss

Here are some meaningful ways to help someone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, drawn from trusted health organizations:

• Acknowledge their pain and presence
  Let them know you see them and are sorry for their loss—avoid clichés like “time heals all wounds” or “they’re in a better place.” Suicide Prevention Alliance

• Invite open sharing
  Encourage them to talk about the person who died—stories, memories, photos. Use the person’s name. It makes grief feel shared, not hidden. Suicide Prevention AllianceMayo Clinic News Network

• Stay connected
  Grief doesn’t vanish after the funeral. Continue checking in—through cards, calls, visits—especially in the weeks and months when others move on. Suicide Prevention Alliance

• Know warning signs and act
  Those grieving are at higher risk themselves. If they express feeling trapped, suicidal thoughts, or withdraw deeply, encourage or assist them in reaching out to help immediately—like calling 988 or going to the emergency department. Mayo Clinic News NetworkCDC

• Offer real, manageable support
  Rather than saying “Let me know if you need anything,” suggest specific help: “Can I drop off dinner tonight?” or “Would you like a walk together?” Suicide Prevention Alliance

Resources for Support & Healing

Crisis and Immediate Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org—24/7 confidential support. Helpline CenterMayo Clinic News NetworkCDC

Support for Those Who Have Lost Someone

• AFSP Suicide Loss Resources — Offers national support groups and grief guidance. AFSP

• Samaritans’ SafePlace — Virtual and in-person peer support, plus Survivor-to-Survivor visits by trained volunteers. Samaritans

• SAVE Suicide Loss Support — Provides grief packets and other resource materials to help navigate the journey. SAVE

• Suicide Prevention Alliance (UK) — Offers strategies for supporting those grieving, including how to communicate, what to avoid, and self-care reminders for supporters. Suicide Prevention Alliance

• LOSS Community Services — Offers programs to connect survivors with community support in both virtual and in-person formats. losscs.org

• The Dinner Party — Peer-support dinners (originally in L.A.) for young adults coping with loss through suicide. Wikipedia

Real Voices, Shared Wisdom

From Reddit’s grief and support communities:

“I lost my mother to suicide… virtual peer support groups… organized by the specific loss… led by someone who also experienced that same loss.” Reddit

“Let’s learn to support each other in tough times… Acknowledge the situation… Tell them you are sorry for their loss… Offer comfort without minimizing the loss.” Reddit

Practical Suggestions You Can Try Today