Abbott visited the Sydney hospital where Hughes died on Thursday and was comforted by Australia captain Michael Clarke and Hughes' sister, Megan.
Cricket Australia on Friday pledged continuing support for Abbott as cricketers around the world offered sympathy and encouragement for the young paceman. (Waqar Fears for Abbott's Future)
"I had a chat to him last night and I was incredibly impressed by the way he was holding himself and his maturity," Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said on Friday. "But the point is this not a moment-in-time thing. This is a grieving process that will affect people in different ways. What we will do and the relevant experts will do is provide Sean with the support he needs."
"He has got a lot of support around him from his teammates and also the counseling services," ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson said. "He's someone who we're monitoring closely and we know he's got a lot of support around him." (Hughes Joins Ill-Fated Club of Cricketers)
"Phillip's sister, Megan, also came and spent significant time with Sean," Brukner said. "Obviously what Sean has gone through is an incredibly traumatic experience, as it has been for everyone present on the field that day."
Former Australia fast bowler Stuart Clark took time to speak to Abbott.
"It will be the hardest for him when it's quiet and there's nothing happening," Clarke told Australia's Sky Sports Radio. "When he's sitting at home at night before he goes to bed. That's, I think, when the thoughts will start recurring in his mind." (Clarke Breaks Down, Australia United in Grief | Pics)
"You worry that this could jeopardize Sean Abbott and his cricket career and we don't want that."
Former Australia captain Mark Taylor said Abbott should bear no responsibility for Hughes' death but would likely struggle with a sense of guilt.
Alan Mullally, who seriously injured a batsman during a club match in Perth, said he had sleepless nights for months after.
"I would wake up crying," Mullally told The West Australian newspaper. "I was devastated at first because I didn't know if he was going to live and then I was devastated because I did know that I had ended his career and all his cricket hopes and dreams." (Sri Lanka to Pay Silent Tribute)
"I suppose now I'm as qualified as anybody to know what this young fellow Abbott is feeling today and it just numbed me," he said. "You cannot describe it, and it's worse for the lad."