Global Grief Network logoGGN Complex and Prolonged Grief
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 3 of 6

Warning Signs to Notice

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. Signs grief may need more support
  2. Signs of crisis
  3. Responding with hope

Objectives

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

Lesson

Signs grief may need more support

Pay attention when someone, long after a loss, still cannot manage basic daily tasks, has withdrawn from almost everyone, relies more and more on alcohol or other substances to get through the day, feels numb or empty most of the time, or says life has no purpose. Any one of these is worth a caring check in.

Signs of crisis

Some signs call for immediate action: talking about wanting to die or to join the person who died, saying goodbye to people, giving away belongings, or saying others would be better off without them. Grief can increase the risk of suicide, so these signs must always be taken seriously.

Responding with hope

If you are worried, ask directly and calmly: Are you thinking about suicide? Asking does not plant the idea. Listen without judgment, stay with the person, and connect them to help. In the United States, call or text 988. If there is immediate danger, call 911. Many people who feel this way find relief and hope again with support.

GGN reminder: Asking directly about suicide is an act of care. Help is available, and people do find their way through.
GGN practiceMy help plan (about 10 minutes)

Write down three people you could call when grief feels unbearable, plus 988 and 911. Save the numbers in your phone. If you support others, write the words you would use to ask someone directly about suicide. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 3.1: A text at night

Jordan's friend Sam lost his father last year. One night Sam texted, I just want to be with Dad. I'm so tired of all this. Jordan felt scared and unsure what to do.

Questions to consider:

  1. What should Jordan do?
  2. Why does asking directly help?

Discussion: Jordan can call Sam, stay with him, and ask clearly: Are you thinking about suicide? Then Jordan can help Sam call or text 988 together, or call 911 if Sam is in immediate danger. Asking directly shows Sam that it is safe to talk and opens the way to help.

Reflection Prompts

  1. Which warning signs would you most likely notice in someone close to you?
  2. What makes it hard to ask directly about suicide, and what would help you do it?
  3. Who is on your own support list?

Module 3 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.