There is no handbook on providing grief support for friends and families because everyone grieves in their own way. Knowing what to say after someone close to you has lost a loved one to suicide is especially challenging, because anger, resentment, and even guilt may also be accompanying their grief. If your friend or relative recently lost a loved one to suicide, read on to learn about some ways you can help.

3 Tips for Providing Grief Support for Suicide Victims

1. Listen

Some people have a natural inclination to try to fix things; but when someone is grieving, they don’t want to hear about how they can move on or what they should do in the meantime. Sometimes, the best way to help is simply by listening. Don’t worry about fixing your friend’s problems. Instead, focus on providing love, support, and reassurance just by listening.

2. Acknowledge What Happened

You may be nervous or scared to address the cause of death, but avoiding the subject entirely may make your friend feel like there is an emotional barrier between the two of you. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge that losing someone to suicide is emotionally devastating and that you are there if your loved one ever needs anything.

3. Offer to Help

Remind your friend that you are there to help, and ask what you can do to alleviate some of their stress. If your loved one doesn’t take you up on your offer within a few days, consider doing something specific that you know he or she needs but is too proud to ask for.

At Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV, their compassionate staff takes care of clients with respect and consideration while providing grief support and helping them plan funeral services. Visit their website to learn more about the funeral arrangements they offer, and call (304) 724-6500 to discuss your family’s needs.