Global Grief Network logoGGN Grief After Suicide, Overdose and Traumatic Loss
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 4 of 6

Trauma, Shock and the Body

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. When loss is a shock
  2. Intrusive memories
  3. Grounding steps
  4. When to seek more support

Objectives

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

Lesson

When loss is a shock

A sudden or violent death can overwhelm the body's stress system. People may feel jumpy, have trouble sleeping, struggle to focus, or feel cut off from their feelings.

Intrusive memories

Some people find images or thoughts about the death coming back again and again, especially if they found their loved one or learned details. These experiences are common after trauma and often ease with time and support.

Grounding steps

Simple steps can help steady the body in hard moments: notice your feet on the floor, name a few things you can see and hear, breathe slowly with a longer out breath, or hold something comforting. These are not cures, but they can offer a moment of steadiness.

When to seek more support

If intrusive memories, fear, or numbness stay intense for a long time, interfere with daily life, or lead to thoughts of suicide, connect with a licensed professional who understands trauma and grief. For crisis support, call or text 988; for immediate danger, call 911.

GGN reminder: Trauma reactions are the body trying to protect you. With support, many people find their reactions soften over time.
GGN practiceA grounding card (about 10 minutes)

Write a small card with three grounding steps that work for you. Keep it in a wallet or phone case for hard moments. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 4.1: The phone call

Bryn learned of her best friend's sudden death by phone. For weeks, every ringing phone made her heart race.

Questions to consider:

  1. What is happening in Bryn's body?
  2. What could help her?

Discussion: Bryn's body is reacting to a reminder of the shock. Grounding steps can help in the moment. If her reactions stay intense, she could connect with a licensed professional who understands trauma and grief.

Reflection Prompts

  1. How has stress shown up in your body after a loss?
  2. Which grounding steps feel most natural to you?
  3. When would you encourage someone to seek more support?

Module 4 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.