Shock can make ordinary decisions feel impossible. Let trusted people help, protect your privacy, and focus on the next necessary task rather than every future decision.
If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
What you can do now
Take these steps in order.
1
Choose one person to help communicate with others.
2
Write down information because memory may be unreliable under shock.
3
If you feel unsafe with your own thoughts, tell someone and contact 988.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“I cannot manage all the calls and decisions right now. Can you help me write things down, communicate with others, and stay nearby?”
Reduce the number of decisions
Ask one or two trusted people to coordinate food, calls, transportation, child care, or visitors. You can postpone nonessential decisions. You can also change your mind about what you want shared.
Protect details and privacy
You do not owe anyone graphic information, speculation, or an explanation. Choose a short statement that trusted people can repeat. Correct harmful rumors without repeating unsafe details.
Care for the body in shock
Drink water and eat simple food when you can.
Write down medications and instructions from your own clinician.
Avoid driving if you are too exhausted or distracted.
Limit alcohol and drugs.
Ask someone to stay if nights feel frightening.
Talk with children honestly
Use clear, age-appropriate language and avoid euphemisms that may confuse them. Tell them the death was not their fault, invite questions over time, and identify the adults who will care for them.
Funerals and memorials
Center the person’s full life. Avoid method details, blame, romanticized language, or messages suggesting death was an escape or reunion. Provide support information when a community is affected.
There is no correct first week
You may cry, feel numb, become angry, handle practical tasks, or be unable to function. These reactions can change hour by hour. Seek trauma-informed grief care or a suicide-loss group when you are ready.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A suicide-loss or grief clinician and a suicide-safe messaging reviewer must review this page.
Last editorial update
July 30, 2026
Review schedule
Initial qualified review required before broad promotion
Editorial status
Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A suicide-loss or grief clinician and a suicide-safe messaging reviewer must review this page.
