Surround Survivors of Suicide Loss With Love and Empathy

Surround Survivors with Love and Empathy

Be sure to support people in a compassionate way as they grieve a suicide loss. Know where to find resources that can help.

Suicide is a Major Public Health Problem

1,600+

people died by suicide in North Carolina in 2022

135

people are affected by a single suicide

See More on the Impact of Suicide

Action Steps and Guidance

Ask

Ask them the best ways that you can help. Some survivors find strength in performing their normal daily routines and activities. Others may want to rely on friends or family for support.

Some people may find it hard to concentrate or make decisions as they grieve a loss. If that happens, try asking how you can help with specific errands or tasks.

Be There

Be present yet do not smother them when they need private time.

Listen Without Judgment

This is key to learn about what the person thinks and feels. Expect them to experience a range of feelings and emotions. Allow them to express as much grief as they are willing to share.

Be Patient and Understanding

Keep in mind that each person grieves in their own way and at their own pace. Grief comes in waves. Just because they seem to be doing well today, they might be overwhelmed by grief tomorrow.

Stay In Touch

At times it may seem difficult to maintain contact with a person who is grieving. Yet the effort is important on your part. Especially during the stress-filled months after a loved one’s suicide.

Resources That Can Help

Find action steps, guidelines, support groups, and other resources for survivors of suicide loss.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Guidance and action steps to help navigate the time after a loved one makes a suicide attempt.

National Alliance for Mental Illness

List from NAMI North Carolina of support group dates for survivors of suicide attempts.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Helpful list of links and resources for survivors of suicide loss.

Triangle Survivors of Suicide

List of virtual and in-person support groups in North Carolina to support survivors of suicide loss.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

A support group database and other resources to help people who have lost loved ones to suicide find solace and understanding.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Fact sheet for youth ages 12 and up that provides guidance on how to talk about suicide with friends and peers.

Samaritans

Nonjudgmental listening and peer support to support suicide loss survivors who are grieving.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Robust list of videos, links, and resources to support survivors of suicide loss.

American Psychological Association

Tips for grieving adults, children, and schools dealing with a death by suicide.

Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors

A wealth of resources, support groups, and guidance for survivors of suicide loss.

National Association for Social Workers

A podcast with tips on how social workers help people who are grieving after losing a loved one to suicide.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: For Administrators and Staff

Robust toolkit for administrators and staff to assist schools in the aftermath of a suicide in the school community.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Best Practices Registry

Vetted, effective resources and guidance for schools listed in SPRC’s Best Practice Registry.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Resources for Schools

Free resources for teachers, mental health providers, and other school personnel who interact with students.

Reporting on Suicide

Recommendations for media on how to report on suicide in a way that avoids negative influence on behavior and encourages help-seeking.

American Psychiatric Association

Guidance on how to advocate for and use language that reduces stigma around suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Detailed guidelines on how to cover suicide-related deaths through safe reporting practices.

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Surround Survivors with Love and Empathy

Suicide is a Major Public Health Problem

See More on the Impact of Suicide

Action Steps and Guidance