**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide.**
When someone loses someone they love to something as tragic as suicide, it can be hard to know what to say. We want to support them in any way we can, but sometimes, even though we mean the best….we just freeze up.
In this very honest episode, I’m joined once again by my brave guest (and daughter-in-law), Rachael Clement Fiore—who lost her brother to suicide just a few short weeks ago). In last week’s episode, we talked about some myths and misconceptions around suicide, but this week, Rachael graciously opens up about her own journey, sharing her experiences and insights to help others navigating similar waters of despair.
We talk about our biggest do’s and don’ts around supporting someone through a suicide. You’ll learn why “let me know if you need anything” might not be as helpful as we think, some comforting things to say to people who are still processing their grief (and the opposite), and how grief truly does look different for everyone (and why Rachael says she’s “making friends with” her grief).
Of course there are “best practices” of things we should say to someone grieving, but don’t worry too much about saying the perfect thing. I think Rachael’s final thoughts in the episode are some of the most important to remember: if you aren’t sure what to do, just do something—it’s better than nothing.
If you need help, please reach out—call the suicide hotline at 1-833-456-4566 (Canada) and 988 (US).
Links/Past Episodes
- Ep. 144: Suicide Awareness with Special Guest Rachael Clement Fiore
- Ep. 31: Grief with Krista St-Germain
Resources:
For more insights and episodes on resilience, connect with me, Leah Davidson, on Facebook or Instagram. Explore more resources or book a mini session with me on my website.