Global Grief Network logoGGN Grief After Suicide, Overdose and Traumatic Loss
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 5 of 6

Supporting Someone Through Traumatic Grief

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. Words and presence
  2. What to avoid
  3. Practical help
  4. Staying close

Objectives

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

Lesson

Words and presence

Simple words help: "I am so sorry. I am here." Say the person's name. Share a memory. Let the grieving person talk about the death if they want to, without pressing for details.

What to avoid

Avoid asking how the person died, speculating about why, or sharing details with others. Avoid sharing images or graphic information on social media. Avoid judging the person who died or the family.

Practical help

Sudden deaths can bring paperwork, legal processes, and media attention. Offering specific help, such as meals, rides, childcare, or making calls, can lighten the load.

Staying close

People grieving a traumatic loss may be at higher risk of suicide themselves. Keep checking in over months, especially around anniversaries. If you notice hopelessness or talk of not wanting to live, ask directly about suicide and connect them to 988, or 911 for immediate danger.

GGN reminder: Showing up, saying their loved one's name, and staying close over time are some of the most powerful gifts you can give.
GGN practiceMy support promise (about 10 minutes)

Choose one person grieving a sudden or traumatic loss. Write down two practical ways you can help and three dates over the next year when you will check in. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 5.1: After the news

When news spread online about the car crash that killed Omar's brother, people posted rumors and asked Omar for details. A coworker, Jess, simply sent a message: "I am so sorry about Karim. I am dropping off dinner Thursday. No need to reply."

Questions to consider:

  1. Why was Jess's message helpful?
  2. What might others have done differently?

Discussion: Jess offered sympathy, used Karim's name, and gave practical help without asking for anything. Others could have avoided rumors and requests for details.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What helps you feel supported when you are grieving?
  2. How can you avoid adding to speculation after a public loss?
  3. How will you remember to check in over time?

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.