NATIONAL GUARD December 2023

CONTACT US

For more information on support after a loss or other topics, email us at: 

ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.resiliency-branch@army.mil

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE your Service members to adopt at least one of the 

recommended resources for support after a loss.

Self-care and postvention 

support often take a back seat to 

everything else when grieving a 

loss. However, the ability to cope 

is enhanced by our physical and 

mental well-being. Follow these 

tips1 to help navigate grief:

• Claim your time. Take regular 

breaks and engage in activities 

that help you decompress, like a 

hot bath or walk in the woods.

• Set boundaries. It is ok to say 

no to things that don’t bring 

you joy. 

• Monitor your physical needs. 

Make sure you are staying 

hydrated, eating regular meals, 

getting enough sleep, and 

moving your body daily. 

• Get creative. Find an outlet 

to express your feelings. Try 

journaling, crafting, dancing, or 

playing an instrument.

• Let others help. If someone 

offers to run an errand or drop 

off dinner, let them. Know 

that you can return the favor 

someday.

• Connect with others. Talk to 

someone you trust or join a 

support group.

• Fully address your grief. Don’t 

gloss over your feelings. Take 

the time to completely process 

your emotions. The TAPS 

Helpline is available 24/7/365:

NAVIGATING GRIEF LIFE AFTER LOSS

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

The National Guard partners with the Tragedy Assistance Program for 

Survivors (TAPS), which is a national organization for all those grieving the 

death of any military or veteran loved one. 

TAPS connects with an average of 24 new loss survivors every day, adding to 

the more than 100,000 people already receiving support.

Regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstance of the 

death, survivors may experience a variety of emotions throughout the grief 

journey. Self-care and connecting with others can help mitigate the negative 

impacts of grief and provide comfort to survivors.

SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT

In addition to grief and bereavement, suicide loss may be accompanied by 

a range of different emotions to include shame or stigma. There is hope for 

suicide loss survivors. 

Postvention support is any activity following a suicide that promotes recovery 

and healing among those impacted by the loss. The TAPS approach to suicide 

postvention can help with immediate stabilization, support with processing 

grief, and opportunities for healing and growth.
The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

REFERENCES:

1. TAPS: Prioritizing Self-Care While Grieving https://www.taps.org/articles/28-1/self-care-while-grieving 

SPOTLIGHT: POSTVENTION SUPPORT FOR LEADERS

• Massachusetts National Guard (MANG) teamed up with TAPS to provide support for current and former MANG members who 

experienced a suicide loss under their leadership.

• During the event, participants learned from leading experts and gained the support and healing needed for personal and 

professional growth.

• For more information, email: ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.resiliency-branch@army.mil.

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

Contact your Director of Psychological Health, Behavioral Health Officer, Chaplain, Military and Family Life 

Counselor, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Casualty Assistance Officer, or chain of command for support and 

a referral to resources in the community.

Postvention Toolkit for Military Suicide Loss provides DoD personnel with tips, checklists, and resources 

to better support survivors and promote healing. https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/

PostventionToolkit.pdf

After a Suicide podcast addresses the different emotions associated with suicide loss. 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/podcasts/military-onesource/after-a-suicide

Military OneSource offers free, confidential, non-crisis counseling via phone, online chat, or video to help 

Service members and their families improve self-care and heal after a loss. http://www.militaryonesource.mil

Taking Care of Yourself After a Loss offers tips to reduce grief over time and self-care strategy options. 

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/related_problems_grief.asp

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides 24/7/365 compassionate care and comprehensive 

resources for anyone grieving the death of a military loved one. 1-800-959-8277 or http://www.taps.org

Travis Manion Foundation empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future 

generations. https://www.travismanion.org

What does it mean?

• The road to recovery is different for every survivor; however, self-care and 

postvention support can enhance the healing and growth process. 

Why does it matter?

• Left unchecked, grief can negatively impact the physical (insomnia, lack of 

appetite) and mental (anxiety, depression) well-being of survivors. 

What can you do?

• Reach out to survivors, remind them that they are not alone, encourage them to 

engage in self-care, and recommend resources to help them heal.

• Practice safe messaging by avoiding discussion of specific details of the death 

and emphasizing the importance help-seeking behaviors.

• Remember that holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries can be especially difficult for 

survivors; consult Military OneSource and TAPS for help navigating these milestones.

ROAD TO RECOVERY 

The deadline to complete 

the Defense Organizational 

Climate Survey (DEOCS) is 

DEC 30. All National Guard 

members are strongly 

encouraged to participate and 

make their voices heard.

Just as self-care and 

postvention support contribute 

to healing, the DEOCS (which 

assesses command climate) 

contributes to a healthier work 

environment. 

Findings from the DEOCS 

will inform future prevention 

efforts and activities. 

THE TIME IS NOW