Suicide
How can I support someone who has lost a loved one by suicide?

“How can I support someone who has lost a loved one by suicide?” Frequently Asked Questions (2018).

“How can I support someone who has lost a loved one?” Frequently Asked Questions.

How can I support someone who has lost a loved one by suicide?

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Friends and Church members can be a great support to families who have lost a loved one by suicide. Suicide is often a sudden, traumatic event and can intensify the grief of those involved. Understand that the grieving process takes time.

The best care we can provide is to help someone experience the blessings of Heavenly Father’s love and the Savior’s mercy and grace. When an individual or family has lost a loved one by suicide, prayerfully observe their needs and try to support them. Often our care for a person or family begins by listening in love and kindness. Be aware that holidays and anniversaries may be especially difficult.

President M. Russell Ballard has counseled: “Be careful in what you say about suicide and recognize that we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide. The Lord alone has all the facts, and only He would know the intent of one’s heart. We should not judge those who do take their own lives, and we should support and comfort those who are left behind after such a death of a loved one” (“Questions and Answers” [Brigham Young University devotional, Nov. 14, 2017], 3, speeches.byu.edu).

If you are part of a ward council, encourage the council to discuss how ward members can provide appropriate support to the person or family. Encourage council members to report back on the support that was offered. Some questions to discuss include:

  • What have ministering brothers and sisters observed, and what service have they given?

  • What ongoing emotional and spiritual support will the person or family need? Who is best prepared to provide this support?

  • What are their temporal needs—transportation, meals, and so on?

  • How can ward auxiliary leaders, including Primary or youth leaders, support children and youth who are affected?

Church and Community Resources

(Some of the resources listed below are not created, maintained, or controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These materials are intended to serve as additional helpful resources as you study this topic. The Church does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with its doctrines and teachings.)