IMMEDIATELY AFTER A LOSS
You just lost a loved one. At this stage, things are confusing and overwhelming. However, there are practical concerns that must be tended to. Use this page as a guide to help you stabilize and deal with those immediate concerns.
Immediate Needs and Local Resources
The items below help with the most common practical concerns right after a loss
Stabilize yourself to help your focus
It is normal to be overwhelmed with grief to the point where you cannot think straight. If you or someone else becomes too overwhelmed, you can try a technique called "grounding."
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Take 3 deep breaths.
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Name 5 things you see that don't upset you.
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Take 3 deep breaths.
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Name 5 things you hear that don't upset you.
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Take 3 deep breaths
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Name 5 things you feel that don't upset you.
Continue as needed or repeat when you become overwhelmed again. This may help you to concentrate when necessary.
Reach out for help
Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help. It is normal to be confused and overwhelmed in the immediate aftermath of a suicide loss. Contact family, friends, church members, or anyone else you trust to provide support and help you resolve immediate, practical concerns.
If it is too difficult for you to call someone, you can ask someone else to call for you.
Take care of basic needs
Consider the following topics, and ask for help from others if it is too overwhelming for you to get these things yourself:
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Are you staying hydrated? Have you eaten? Is food and water available for you and your family?
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Do you want to stay somewhere else for a night or two? Consider staying with family or in a hotel if it is too difficult to stay in your house right now.
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Do you have someone to help take care of your children for a short time? Family, friends, or church organizations can help with this.
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Do you need someone else to watch your pets for a while? If you don't know anyone who will take them, Animal Control will hold them for a while until you can figure something else out. ​
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Call for cleanup services
No one should have to clean the site of a loved-one's death. Blusky (formerly ARS) provides death site cleaning services. These services may be covered by your home insurance. Make sure that you or someone else gives them a call.
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BluSky (Previously ARS Flood and Fire Cleanup)
Rock Springs contact: (307) 362-0003
Make funeral arrangements
There are two funeral homes in the county that can provide guidance and services for your loved one's funeral.
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Vase Funeral Home
154 Elk St. Rock Springs, WY
263 E Flaming Forge Way, Green River, WY
https://www.vasefuneralhomes.com/
​Call (307) 362-5607 to make arrangements.
Open 8-4, M-F
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Fox Funeral Home
2800 Commercial Way
Rock Springs, WY 82901
Open 24 hours
FAQs and Other Practical Concerns
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides a lot of great answers and advice to common questions right after a loss. Visit the following website to get more information: Practical Information for Immediately After a Loss | AFSP
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