Dealing with Grief During Suicide Prevention Month At Towler Counseling, our trained therapists work with clients facing grief and loss. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we want to take time to advocate for awareness and healing. We believe that everyone deserves support and that no one should carry grief alone. Grief can be a heavy companion, often showing up when we least expect it. You may have lost someone to suicide years ago, yet a song on the radio, a familiar smell, or a scene in a TV show can suddenly bring their memory rushing back.Sometimes, the sadness hits out of nowhere—you may find yourself crying without fully understanding why. September, which is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, can be an especially difficult time. The season itself may bring painful associations if your loss happened in the fall, and the national focus on suicide can stir up painful memories or emotions that you thought had quieted. It is normal for grief to ebb and flow, to resurface in unexpected ways, and to feel heavier at certain times of year. If you are walking through this type of grief, know that you are not alone. Below are some gentle reminders and strategies that may help you cope during this season. 1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel Grief does not follow a straight line, and it doesn’t come with an expiration date. You may have days where you feel strong and grounded, and others where the sadness feels overwhelming. Allow yourself to feel what comes up without judgment. Tears, anger, numbness, or even moments of joy are all part of the grieving process. These feelings can be heavy, but allowing yourself to feel them is a step toward healing. 2. Recognize Your Triggers Sometimes grief sneaks up because of a song, a place, or a season that holds deep memories. Instead of pushing these triggers away, notice them. You might say to yourself, “This memory is painful, but it’s also a reminder of how much I loved and still love this person.” Recognizing triggers allows you to respond with care rather than being blindsided. Journaling or writing down memories can help honor your loved one while grounding yourself. 3. Find Healthy Outlets Grief often builds up in the body. Journaling, creating art, walking in nature, or engaging in mindful movement like yoga can help release some of the emotional weight. Even talking out loud to your loved one—whether through prayer, a letter, or quiet reflection—can bring comfort. 4. Lean on Support You don’t have to carry your grief alone. Friends, family, support groups, or a trusted therapist can provide a safe space to share your feelings. Speaking your loved one’s name, telling their story, or simply saying “I miss them” to someone who listens without judgment can be deeply healing. Looking for Grief Therapy? At Towler Counseling, we walk alongside individuals and families coping with grief and loss. Our therapists provide a safe, compassionate space for healing. Learn more about Grief Therapy at Towler Counseling 5. Honor Your Loved One Finding ways to honor the memory of your loved one can bring a sense of connection. This could be lighting a candle, planting a tree, making a donation to a cause in their name, or creating a small ritual that feels meaningful to you. Honoring their life allows you to shift some of the pain into remembrance. 6. Practice Grounding When the Waves Feel Heavy Sometimes grief feels overwhelming, and you may need practical tools to stay grounded. Try this exercise: Notice five things you can see Four things you can touch Three things you can hear Two things you can smell One thing you can taste You can also practice slow breathing—inhale for four, hold for four, and exhale for six—to help your body find calm. 7. Remind Yourself That Healing Is Not Forgetting Many people worry that as they heal, they are somehow letting go of their loved one. Healing does not mean forgetting. It means carrying their memory in a way that allows you to keep living, while also holding space for your continued love for them. 8. Create a Routine of Self-Care Grief can leave you feeling unsteady, as if the world has shifted beneath your feet. Establishing small, intentional routines can help bring a sense of stability. This doesn’t have to be complicated—start with consistent meals, gentle movement, or a daily walk outside. Regular sleep, staying hydrated, and limiting overwhelming media can also protect your emotional health. Self-care is not about “moving on,” but about giving your mind and body the strength to carry your grief in a healthier way. When you prioritize your well-being, you create space to honor your loved one while also taking steps toward healing. A Gentle Reminder Grief, especially after suicide, can carry layers of pain, unanswered questions, and even guilt. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for help. You deserve support in this process. Speaking with a counselor, joining a grief group, or r
