After a Student Death: Caring for Yourself

A guide for CU 勒貊勛圖 students泭

A student death, especially when a student dies by suicide, can have a deep impact on a campus community. You may feel shocked, sad, confused or unsure how to move forward. There is no right way to react.泭

This guide offers simple ways to take care of yourself and find support. You are not expected to handle this alone and help is available.泭

How You Might Be Feeling

Even if you didnt know the student personally, its common to feel impacted by the loss.泭

You might notice:泭

  • Shock, numbness or disbelief泭
  • Sadness, grief or guilt泭
  • Anxiety or feeling on edge泭
  • Trouble focusing in class泭
  • Changes in sleep or appetite泭
  • Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected泭

These reactions can come and go, especially if something reminds you of what happened (like conversations, social media or locations on campus). Some days may feel a little easier, while other moments may bring those feelings back unexpectedly. Everyone responds differently, and it can take time to process a loss like this.泭

Communicating with your professors may also help if you need support or flexibility in your classes during this time. Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) can provide a letter to help start that conversation if needed.泭泭

This disruption may be short term, but if it continues to affect you, reaching out for additional support can help. Call us at 303-492-2277 to get started.泭

Taking Care of Yourself

When youre dealing with grief, shock or stress, even everyday tasks can feel harder than usual. Taking care of yourself may not come naturally right away, and thats okay. Here are a few small ways to support yourself as you move through the days ahead. Start with what feels manageable and remember that you dont have to do everything at oncejust what feels possible today.

Stick To Simple Routines
  • Eat, sleep and drink water regularly泭
  • Go to class or work if you can泭
  • Keep a basic daily structure泭

If things feel like too much, its okay to pause or scale back.泭

Give Yourself Permission to Feel

You might feel a mix of emotions, even at the same time. All of it is valid. Try not to pressure yourself to move on quickly.泭

Limit Overwhelming Input
  • Take breaks from social media or news泭
  • Step away from conversations that feel too intense泭
  • Silence notifications if you need space泭
Stay Connected

Its common to want to withdraw, but connection helps.泭

  • Talk to someone you trust泭
  • Spend time with friends in low-pressure ways泭
  • Ask for help with everyday things if needed泭

Use Small Coping Strategies泭

  • Go for a walk or get outside泭
  • Listen to music or watch something comforting泭
  • Write or journal for a few minutes泭
  • Move your body in a gentle way泭

Try to avoid relying heavily on substances like alcohol or drugs to cope, as they can make healing harder over time.泭

When to Seek Extra Support

You should seek additional support if:泭

  • Your feelings arent improving or feel overwhelming泭
  • Youre struggling to function in daily life or classes泭
  • Youre having panic attacks, intrusive thoughts or nightmares泭
  • You feel unsafe or worried about yourself or someone else泭
Mental Health Support

CAPS is here to support students who may be experiencing impacts from recent events and other mental health concerns. To access same-day appointments and crisis services, call 303-492-2277 or drop-in during regular business hours. CAPS has crisis phone support available 24/7.泭

CAPS also offers Lets Talk, which allows you to connect with a counselor for free and confidential drop-in services virtually or in person. You can also sign up for free workshops to address issues related to grief, anxiety, self-care, relationships and more.泭

Academic Support

Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support (SOAS) works with students facing challenging situations by connecting them to helpful resources and creating a personalized plan to support their well-being and success. There are three ways to refer a student to SOAS:泭泭

  • Fill out the 泭泭
  • Call 303-492-7348泭泭
  • Email the department at soas@colorado.edu泭泭泭
Additional 24/7 Resources
  • : Call or text 988 for 24/7 support泭
  • (LGBTQ+ support): 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678泭
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.泭

This is a difficult time for many people in our community. Take things one day at a time, be gentle with yourself and remember that support is here for you.泭