Each November, communities worldwide mark International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day—a day created so people affected by suicide can gather, remember, and begin to find connection and understanding. The observance always falls on a Saturday—loss day is Saturday—because weekends make it easier for families and friends to come together. Here in metro Atlanta—from Alpharetta to Cumming—many of us know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide. This post offers practical, compassionate ways to show up.
Why this day matters
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States. Behind every statistic are families, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors navigating shock, guilt, anger, and love—all at once. Some people who die by suicide live with a diagnosed mental illness; others never received a diagnosis. Either way, grief after losing someone to suicide is complex. Suicide Loss Day is a gentle invitation to honor the person, acknowledge the pain, and build pathways to care for mental health in those who remain.
How to support a friend who has lost someone to suicide
1) Lead with presence, not perfection
You don’t need the perfect words. Try:
- “I’m so sorry. I’m here to listen, for as long as you need.”
- “Your person mattered—and still matters.”
Say the name of the person who died. For many survivors of suicide loss, hearing their loved one’s name is healing.
2) Make concrete offers
Grievers are exhausted. Instead of “Let me know if you need anything,” offer specifics:
- “I can bring dinner Tuesday or Thursday—what helps more?”
- “I’m free at 3 p.m. to sit with you, walk, or help with errands.”
Practical care eases the grieving process so your friend can breathe.
3) Listen for the story—without fixing it
Suicide grief often circles back. Your friend may repeat memories or questions. Reflect what you hear: “It sounds like you’re holding so many pieces.” Avoid explanations or comparisons, bear witness.
4) Use “and,” not “but”
“We loved them and we’re furious.” “You’re grateful for support and you feel numb.” The word and validates mixed emotions in this kind of loss.
5) Help create gentle rituals
Light a candle at dusk, build a photo album, cook their favorite meal, or visit a meaningful spot in North Georgia. Simple rituals offer shared experience and a place to set grief down.
6) Keep showing up after the crowd thins
Mark the calendar: one month, three months, six months, the person’s birthday. A text—“Thinking of you today”—can be a lifeline weeks after others move on.
7) Encourage, don’t force, professional support
If your friend is open, suggest a support group for survivors of suicide loss or counseling with someone who understands suicide bereavement. Frame it as strength: “You deserve support that holds all of this.”
Language that helps (and what to skip)
- Say: “died by suicide,” “we lost them to suicide,” “survivor of suicide loss.”
- Avoid: phrases that blame or shame. Suicide is a health outcome shaped by many factors; blame makes healing harder.
If your friend shares they’re struggling with their own thoughts of suicide, take it seriously. Stay with them and call 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate guidance.
For those walking this path
If you’ve lost someone to suicide, your grief is valid—no timeline, no rules. Many mothers, fathers, partners, and friends have lost a loved one and found ways to keep love present while pain softens. There is no single right way; there are many healing journeys. Some people find solace in the annual gatherings for international survivors of suicide, where stories, tears, and quiet moments create community. Others prefer one-on-one therapy or small circles with trusted neighbors. Choose what meets you where you are.
How Focus Forward can help in Metro Atlanta
Here in Alpharetta, Cumming, and across metro Atlanta, our therapists at Focus Forward Counseling & Consulting offer compassionate, evidence-informed care for grief after suicide. We understand the unique layers of this loss and can help you name what you’re carrying, build support, and care for your mental health while honoring your person.
If you or someone you love needs immediate help, call or text 988 or dial 911 in an emergency.
On Suicide Loss Day, and every day, our city can be a place where those who have lost someone to suicide are met with tenderness, practical care, and steady companionship. Show up. Say their name. Sit for a while. That’s how light returns, one kind presence at a time.