Supporting Someone Experiencing Loss

AFTER SUICIDE OR TRAUMATIC LOSS

Your support of someone experiencing grief after a death is vitally important as a it sends the message that grief is normal and that the mourning process is best journeyed with the support of others. This is especially crucial when there is a death by suicide or other ambiguous traumatic death.

You might want to help someone who is hurting, but perhaps you are unsure about what to do or say. Perhaps you are afraid that addressing the loss will cause the person pain. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable with the way the person died and are still processing the death yourself. The information and resources on this webpage are here to provide some guidance.

“Mourning is one of the most profound human experiences that it is possible to have... The deep capacity to weep for the loss of a loved one and to continue to treasure the memory of that loss is one of our noblest human traits.”

Edwin S. Shneidman

Coping After Traumatic Events - NAMI Maine

LEARN MORE

First and Foremost

It’s important to educate yourself about grief and mourning in general, as well as grief and mourning from the perspective of the survivors of suicide loss.

While there are some things you should NOT say to someone who is bereaved (see resources below), it is probably worse not to say or do anything at all. Suicide and suicide loss come with a great deal of stigma and blame, which often isolates those who are grieving. Beginning with a statement like, “I am so sorry for your loss” is a good opening. Doing nothing adds to that stigma, sense of blame, and isolation. Grief needs a witness.

Some of the BEST things you can do are to:

Approach the person who is grieving the death
Acknowledge the loss and validate the grief
Offer practical assistance with chores and tasks that need to be done
Say the name of the deceased
Share a memory you have of the person who died

Chances are, these are exactly the things you would do for someone who experienced a loss from cancer, heart attack, accident, or any other death. Survivors simply want you to treat them with the same compassion you would treat any other type of death.

You Are NOT Alone

Personal Stories & More on NAMI National’s Website

Click here to see
“A Plea From a Survivor of Suicide Loss” >>>

“while we as a society mourn the loss of people who die by suicide, us loved ones are still trying to survive, and we need your help. … We need you to see us. We need you to be there for us. We need you to help us heal.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

– How You Can Be Supportive After a Suicide or Other Traumatic Loss

– Responding to Suicide: A Guide for Employers

– Supporting a CoWorker or Employee After Traumatic Loss

– Grief in the Workplace

– Guide for Early-responders Supporting Survivors Bereaved by Suicide

– Supporting People with Disabilities After Traumatic Loss

– Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Cope with Loss

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Suicide Loss and Grief
Support Convener at griefsupport@namimaine.org or (800) 464–5767 x 2317.

Those who have experienced a loss due to suicide may be at higher risk of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors. Know What to Look For >

Need Help?

We're Here For You!

bt_bb_section_top_section_coverage_image

Here for Maine. Here for YOU! Through support, education, and advocacy NAMI Maine is dedicated to building better lives for the 1 in 4 Mainers who are affected by mental illness.