What to Do After a Suicide Has Happened
Action Steps and Guidance to Help Someone
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 present yet do not smother them when they need private time.
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.
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.
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 on How to Help People
Individuals & Families
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Guidance and action steps to help navigate the time after a loved one makes a suicide attempt.
Read More from AFSP - National Alliance for Mental Illness
- List from NAMI North Carolina of support group dates for survivors of suicide attempts.
See This List from NAMI - Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Helpful list of links and resources for survivors of suicide loss.
See This List from SPRC - Triangle Survivors of Suicide
- List of virtual and in-person support groups in North Carolina to support survivors of suicide loss.
See the List of Support Groups - 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.
Learn More About This Resource - 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.
See This Fact Sheet from NCTSN
Grief Support
- Samaritans
- Nonjudgmental listening and peer support to support suicide loss survivors who are grieving.
Read More from Samaritans - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Robust list of videos, links, and resources to support survivors of suicide loss.
See This List from AFSP - American Psychological Association
- Tips for grieving adults, children, and schools dealing with a death by suicide.
See This List of Tips - Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors
- A wealth of resources, support groups, and guidance for survivors of suicide loss.
Learn More About These Resources - 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.
Listen to This Podcast from NASW
Schools
- 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.
See the Toolkit from SPRC - Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Best Practices Registry
- Vetted, effective resources and guidance for schools listed in SPRC’s Best Practice Registry.
See the Resources from SPRC - Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Resources for Schools
- Free resources for teachers, mental health providers, and other school personnel who interact with students.
See Resources for School Personnel
Media
- 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.
See the Recommendations - American Psychiatric Association
- Guidance on how to advocate for and use language that reduces stigma around suicide.
Learn More About Language - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Detailed guidelines on how to cover suicide-related deaths through safe reporting practices.
See the Guidelines from AFSP