How To Help A Survivor of Suicide
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group - Madison, NJ
When someone we know has lost a loved one to suicide it is often difficult to figure out how you can help. It really comes down to respecting that people all heal differently and that the emotional turmoil that they are feeling is often hard to express. Everyone needs a hand up to help them heal.
Even though the survivors may not ask for it or say they are OK, understand that they may not quite know how to express their feelings. Here are some ideas about how you can provide support after a suicide.
- Helping a Suicide Survivor Heal
- Resource: 2 page PDF
- Summary: Tips and activities for how you can help a friend or family member heal from the impact of suicide on their lives written by a well known grief counselor Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., C.T., www.centerforloss.com
- Helping Survivors of Suicide: What Can You Do?
- Resource: 3 page PDF
- Suggestions for Helping a Survivor
- Resource: 2 page Word document
- HOW CAN I HELP? Responses to Survivors Of Suicide
- Resource: 2 page PDF
- Do's and Don'ts for Comforting Grieving Families After a Suicide
- Resource: Article
- Summary: The best advice to anyone who wants to comfort a suicide survivor is: "Show up, let them see you care, and respect the griever's right to feel bad for a while (guilt, anger, sadness, etc.). Too many survivors reported "friends" who avoided them altogether after their loved ones' suicides rather than to risk saying the wrong thing. Please don't do that, because that hurts most of all.
- Providing Good Support for Close Friends with Complicated Grief
- Resource: Website
- Information for Friends and Family
- Resource: Webpage
- Summary: "Caring for and supporting someone who has lost a loved one to suicide can be difficult. Many feel unable to provide adequate support and struggle to understand the depth of distress. Some have difficulty in knowing what to say or do and feel awkward, uncomfortable and concerned about saying the wrong thing. "
- Bringing Hope and Comfort: How To Help A Person Who Has Witnessed A Public Suicide
- Resource: Webpage
- Tips For Family and Friends How can I be supportive?
- Resource: 2 page PDF
- How to Help Someone Who is Suffering From Loss
- Resource: 1 page PDF
- 12 Simple Ways to Support a Grieving Friend this Holiday Season
- Resource: Webpage
- Summary: In the spirit of simplicity and kindness, we have compiled a list of 12 simple and memorable ways to support a grieving loved one this holiday season. This list comes from the suggestions submitted by our online community.