Re: serious post: My really good friends brother just commited suicide
most of the advice here is good obviously, just a few things to add.
1. Dont say "I know how you feel" (you don't, its obv. but ive seen tons of people say it when they don't know what to say).
2. Suicide, unlike other tragic forms of death still has some stigma attached to it. Be sensitive to how the family is dealing with it. Many families even if it is undeniable will not openly acknowledge that this was how he died. So, be very careful when the subject of his death is broached in how you interact with her.
3. Many people will be there for the family in the immediate aftermath of his death. The hardest part will be the months (and years) ahead when people are going back to their everyday lives (as they should) and they are left with this tragedy. As a good friend those moments are as important as the upcoming weeks.
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