Responding to Grief

Resources

For those who are grieving, there are a variety of resources available on campus.

For grief counseling, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is available to students and graduate students and Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is available to faculty and staff.

If the loss is due to an accident, homicide, disaster or mass violence, contact the Office of Victim Assistance for counseling and/or advocacy support.

Things you can say

  • I am sorry for your loss. 
  • Is there any specific way I can help you right now? 
  • I cannot even imagine how much you are hurting. 
  • Can I call you and check in with you every so often? (Do not expect them to remember to call you.) 
  • Would you like to talk about it? I want to hear what you have to say. 
  • It is OK with me if you cry. 
Two people sitting on couch with heads in hands

Things to know

  • Just reaching out a hand, being there in silence, and letting them have their feelings can be helpful.
  • Sometimes just sitting with someone without having to say anything is the greatest gift you can give a grieving person.
  • Do not stop trying to make contact over the months, unless they CLEARLY ask you to, they will appreciate your care even if they cannot take you up on it yet.
  • Sometimes it takes weeks or months before a grieving person is able to reach out for help.
Close up of two sets of hands holding each other