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

Practitioner Takeaways

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. Meeting people where they are
  2. Language that fits
  3. Safety with care
  4. Checking assumptions

Objectives

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

Lesson

Meeting people where they are

Offer choices in format, such as walking sessions, activity-based groups, or practical problem solving, along with conversation. Validate action-focused grieving as real grieving.

Language that fits

Some people connect more with words like stress, pressure, or rough patch than with feelings. Start where they are and widen the vocabulary gently over time.

Safety with care

Be alert for signs of distress such as hopelessness, heavy substance use, or talk of being a burden. Ask directly about suicide when concerned, and connect people to 988 or 911 for immediate danger.

Checking assumptions

Notice your own beliefs about how men should grieve. Avoid assuming any person will or will not reach out. Every person can be supported.

GGN reminder: Practitioners can widen the doorway to support so that people of every grieving style feel welcome.
GGN practiceAdapting my approach (about 15 minutes)

Write down two ways you could adapt your sessions or groups to welcome people who grieve mostly through action. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 6.1: Rough patch

In his first session, Victor said only that he was going through a rough patch since his son died. His practitioner, Nadia, suggested they walk the park path while they talked.

Questions to consider:

  1. How did Nadia meet Victor where he was?
  2. What should she listen for?

Discussion: Nadia used his language and a side by side setting. She should listen for signs of distress and, if worried, ask directly about suicide and share 988.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What assumptions about men and grief do you notice in yourself?
  2. How could you offer more choices in your work?
  3. How confident are you asking directly about suicide?

Module 6 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.