After a Student Death: Caring for Yourself

A guide for ñ students

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.

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.

How You Might Be Feeling

Even if you didn’t know the student personally, it’s common to feel impacted by the loss.

You might notice:

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

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.

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.

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.

Taking Care of Yourself

When you’re 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 that’s 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 don’t have to do everything at once—just what feels possible today.

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

If things feel like too much, it’s okay to pause or scale back.

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.

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

It’s common to want to withdraw, but connection helps.

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

Use Small Coping Strategies

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

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

When to Seek Extra Support

You should seek additional support if:

  • Your feelings aren’t improving or feel overwhelming
  • You’re struggling to function in daily life or classes
  • You’re having panic attacks, intrusive thoughts or nightmares
  • You feel unsafe or worried about yourself or someone else
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.

CAPS also offers Let’s 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.

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:

Additional 24/7 Resources
  • : Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
  • (LGBTQ+ support): 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

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.