Global Grief Network logoGGN Advanced Applied Grief Practice
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 2 of 6

Complex Scenarios

About 1 hour

If you or someone you know may be in danger right nowCall 988Text 988Immediate danger: call 911

988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.

Lessons in this module
  1. What makes a scenario complex
  2. Prioritizing safety
  3. Coordinating with others

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

What makes a scenario complex

Complexity can come from overlapping losses, family conflict, trauma, cultural or language differences, mental health concerns, substance use, legal issues, or media attention. Often several of these are present at once.

Prioritizing safety

When a situation is complex, start with safety. Is anyone at risk of harm to themselves or others? If so, act on that first: ask directly about suicide when concerned, stay with the person, and connect to 988 or 911 if there is immediate danger.

Coordinating with others

Complex situations usually need more than one helper. Know when to involve supervisors, licensed mental health professionals, medical providers, faith leaders, or community services, and how to share information with consent.

GGN reminder: In complex moments, safety first, then connection, then everything else.
GGN practiceMap the layers (about 15 minutes)

Choose a fictional or past situation (removing identifying details). List each layer of complexity. Mark which needs attention first and who else should be involved. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional composite caseFictional Composite Case 2.1: The family meeting

This case is a fictional composite written by the Global Grief Network for learning. It does not describe any real person.

After a sudden death, a peer supporter, Joel, meets with a family. One adult child is angry and blaming, another is silent, and the surviving parent says, I do not see the point of going on.

Questions to consider:

  1. What should Joel prioritize?
  2. Who else might he involve?

Discussion: Joel should prioritize safety by gently asking the parent directly about suicide, staying with them, and connecting to 988, or 911 if there is immediate danger. Then he can acknowledge each family member's grief and involve a supervisor and licensed mental health professional as appropriate.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What complex situations have you encountered?
  2. How do you decide what to address first?
  3. Who is in your coordination network?

Module 2 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.