Spiritual First Aid & Community Grief Guidance

Spiritual First Aid

Spiritual First Aid is gentle, practical support for the first hours and days after loss, bad news, or a life disruption. It helps you feel a little more steady when everything feels unsteady.

What it helps with

• Finding words when you have none

• Calming the nervous system and slowing the spiral

• Naming what hurts without being overwhelmed by it

• Taking one small next step toward life and connection

What you can expect

• A short check-in and a simple grounding step

• One meaningful question to help you reconnect with hope or purpose

• A brief reflection or faith-friendly encouragement (only if it fits you)

• A clear, doable “next two minutes” practice

Spiritual First Aid does not replace therapy, pastoral care, or medical support. It is a bridge toward steadier footing and real human support when you need it.

Community Grief Guide

Community Grief Guide is for friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who want to show up well for someone grieving, but do not know what to say or do.

What it gives you

• Simple phrases that are safe, kind, and human

• What to say, what not to say, and why

• Text and call scripts for common moments (the first day, the first week, the hard anniversaries)

• Practical ways to help without taking over

• How to stay present when emotions are messy (theirs or yours)

If you are in immediate crisis

If you feel unsafe, unable to function, or overwhelmed by thoughts of self-harm, please reach out right now to a trusted person and local emergency services. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.