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

Hope, Meaning and 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. Hope grows slowly
  2. Remembering safely
  3. Safe messaging
  4. For practitioners

Objectives

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

Lesson

Hope grows slowly

Many people grieving a traumatic loss find, over time, that the pain becomes more bearable. They may carry their loved one with them in new ways. Hope does not mean forgetting; it means finding room for life and love alongside grief.

Remembering safely

Memorials, stories, and the GGN Memory Wall can honor a loved one's life. Focus on the person's life and the love they shared, rather than details of the death. Include messages of hope and help resources such as 988.

Safe messaging

When speaking or posting about suicide or overdose, avoid describing methods or locations, avoid presenting a death as a solution or as inevitable, and include where to find help. Share stories of hope and recovery.

For practitioners

Offer steady, nonjudgmental support. Watch for signs of crisis and ask directly about suicide when concerned. Refer to licensed professionals, survivor support groups, substance use services, or crisis lines as needed. Care for yourself, since this work can be heavy.

GGN reminder: Healing is possible. People grieving traumatic losses can and do find their way to moments of peace, meaning, and connection. Anyone can call or text 988 for support, 24/7.
GGN practiceA message of hope (about 15 minutes)

Draft a short memorial post or note for a loved one, focused on their life and the love shared. End it with a line inviting anyone who is struggling to call or text 988. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 6.1: A garden for Leo

A year after her son Leo died, Dee planted a garden in his name and invited neighbors to help. A small sign read: Leo loved sunflowers. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988.

Questions to consider:

  1. How does the garden honor Leo safely?
  2. What role did community play?

Discussion: The garden centers Leo's life and love, includes a message of hope and help, and avoids details of his death. Neighbors helping created connection for Dee.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What does hope look like for you right now?
  2. How would you remember someone in a way that honors their life?
  3. What will you change in how you speak or post about these losses?

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.