What to do for family who lost their father/husband to suicide?

If its recent.... (I have two young daughters and lost my common law husband about 4 years ago)

~ Premade/portioned frozen meals go a long way

~ Ask them if there is anything you can do. Usually its the regular everyday stuff that tends to fall behind during greiving... especailly if its sudden.

Other than that... just be present... as much as possible, but also pay attention to the signs that 'now might not be a good time' or if they want to be alone... its weird with greif. One minute I was so anxious to just be alone and the next I was in agony from the lonliness.....

I think the best gift you can give her right now is empathy. Sometimes just being there for someone who's suffered a loss is all it takes. Bringing home cooked meals might help also, since they may not be in any condition to cook for themselves. You may also want to suggest starting a college fund for her, or for her brothers and sisters, if there's going to be a funeral. People could donate and help out so that some of the burden could be lifted off the mom's shoulders. Your friend may feel like it's her fault, and that's normal-it's part of a grieving process. Don't worry, just being there for her can help a lot, and if she tries to blame herself, counteract it in an understanding way. I wish the best of luck towards you and your friend, and may God bless you both.

I'm so sorry to read about your friend. The only thing you can do is be there for her if she wants to talk. You might also suggest a suicide support group. I've put a link below.

The tornado of emotions your friend is now feeling must be unbearable, and they are too overwhelming for her to handle on her own. She is going through a roller coaster and a whirlpool of emotions as she goes through these stages of grief. Your friend has to go through ALL 5 stages to heal.

Denial (this isn't happening to me!)

Anger (why is this happening to me?)

Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...)

Depression (I don't care anymore)

Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes)

I suggest that you accompany her to both the suicide support group and griefshare. There are thousands of griefshare meetings world wide. I've put a link below. She'll meet people who have gone through what she is going through, and they can help her heal.

My heart goes out to both your friend and to you.

Just to have like vigil or something on Sunday it's not that bad loosing a father .