Global Grief Network logoGGN Men, Grief and Emotional Expression
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 3 of 6

Hidden Grief and Warning Signs

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. Grief in disguise
  2. Risk and numbing
  3. In the body
  4. When to reach out urgently

Objectives

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

Lesson

Grief in disguise

Grief sometimes shows up as anger, irritability, restlessness, or withdrawal rather than tears. A man may snap at family, stop returning calls, or spend more time alone. These can be signs of pain underneath.

Risk and numbing

Some people turn to heavier drinking, other substances, reckless driving, or other risky behavior after a loss. These can be ways of trying to escape pain and are signals to check in.

In the body

Grief can show up as trouble sleeping, headaches, aches, loss of appetite, or exhaustion. Encouraging a check-up with a doctor is a caring step.

When to reach out urgently

If someone talks about wanting to die, being a burden, or having no reason to live, ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Then connect them to help. Call or text 988. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

GGN reminder: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Anyone can call or text 988, and support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
GGN practiceA check-in text (about 10 minutes)

Think of a grieving man in your life. Write a short, low-pressure text you could send, such as "Been thinking about you and your dad. Want to grab breakfast Saturday?" If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 3.1: Short fuse

After his mother died, Luis became quick to anger at work and stopped coming to Sunday dinners. His friend Andre noticed but was not sure what to say.

Questions to consider:

  1. What might Luis's anger be telling Andre?
  2. What could Andre do?

Discussion: Luis's anger and withdrawal may be grief in disguise. Andre could invite him to something low-key, mention his mom gently, and if Luis says anything about not wanting to live, ask directly and connect him with 988.

Reflection Prompts

  1. How has grief shown up in disguise in your life?
  2. What would you do if a friend seemed to be numbing pain?
  3. How comfortable are you asking someone directly about suicide?

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.