Grief and Loss Support

Tips to Help Loss Survivors: (AAS and NSPL)

• Listening without judgment

• Using the lost loved one’s name to show that person is not forgotten

• Accepting the loss survivor's feelings, which can include shock, shame and abandonment

• Avoiding phrases such as "I know how you feel," unless you, too, are a loss survivor

• Avoiding telling them how they should act or feel

• Being sensitive during holidays and anniversaries  

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Resources for Supporting Someone Who Has Lost a Loved One to Suicide and Overdose

• Helping a Friend Who Has Lost a Loved One to Suicide

• 10 Ways to Support a Loved One Who Has Lost Someone to Suicide

• Loss Survivors: How to Help Section

• Helping a Survivor Heal

• Six Ways to Help Someone Who Lost a Loved One to Suicide

• What to Say (and Not to Say) to Someone Grieving a Suicide 

• Supporting Those Grieving an Overdose Loss

• Bereavement and Grief

• Grief - How to Support the Bereaved 

• How to Support Loved Ones Grieving an Addiction Loss

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Recommendations from American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

• Reaching Out After Suicide: What’s Helpful and What’s Not by Linda H. Kilburn

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Hotlines and Support

• Johnson County Mental Health Center Crisis Line: 913-268-0156

  • Note: You do not have to be in crisis to call and talk to a compassionate clinician on the other line.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988

  • Note: start the conversation however you feel comfortable. You do not have to have a specific word to start the conversation as that is only for analytics purposes. Say anything you feel comfortable and need to say to get the conversation going.

• Contact 911 and request a co-responder or CIT officer

• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

• Veterans Crisis Line: Text 838255