Global Grief Network logoGGN Men, Grief and Emotional Expression
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 5 of 6

Building Support That Fits

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. Support comes in many forms
  2. Peer support
  3. Healthy routines
  4. Making reaching out easier

Objectives

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

Lesson

Support comes in many forms

Support can include talking with a trusted friend, joining a grief group, connecting with a faith leader, meeting with a licensed counselor, or joining activity-based groups such as walking or building groups.

Peer support

Being with others who have lived through a similar loss can reduce loneliness. Some people find it easier to share in groups organized around an activity or a shared identity, such as fathers, veterans, or brothers who have lost siblings.

Healthy routines

Regular sleep, movement, meals, and time outdoors can help steady the body during grief. Limiting alcohol and avoiding numbing habits protects wellbeing.

Making reaching out easier

Offering several ways to connect, such as text, call, online groups, or in person, helps more people find support that fits them. Everyone deserves support, and everyone can reach it.

GGN reminder: The best support is the support a person will actually use. Offer options and let them choose.
GGN practiceMy support map (about 15 minutes)

Draw a simple map with yourself in the center. Add people, groups, places, and activities that support you. Circle one you would like to strengthen. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 5.1: Not a talker

Hank said he was not a talker and did not want a support group. A friend told him about a weekly woodworking group for men who had lost partners. Hank went, built a bird feeder, and slowly began to share.

Questions to consider:

  1. Why did this fit Hank?
  2. What does this suggest about support options?

Discussion: The group met Hank through an activity he enjoyed. Offering varied options helps people find support that fits.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What kinds of support appeal to you?
  2. Which routines help you most in hard times?
  3. How could you make support easier for others to reach?

Module 5 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.