Suicide bereavement can be an incredibly difficult experience, but is not something you have to go through alone. Talking about grief and loss with family and friends will give you practical and emotional help, but sometimes it may be necessary to get some extra support from a health professional.
Suicide bereavement can be an incredibly difficult experience, but is not something you have to go through alone. Talking grief and loss with family and friends will give you practical and emotional help, but sometimes it may be necessary to get some extra support from a health professional.
Everyone deals with a suicide in different ways. Whether you need to seek extra support, and at what point during the grieving process you do so, will depend on a number of things.
In general, you may benefit from some structured or professional support if:
Sometimes, people who have lost a loved one to suicide feel suicidal themselves. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is vital that you seek help immediately. Phone the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a professional counsellor who can help you deal with these difficult emotions and help keep you safe. If you are concerned about your immediate safety, phone 000 and ask for an ambulance.
No matter where you are in your grief journey, setting aside time to talk to a professional or get some external support can be very valuable in helping you deal with the emotional aspects of suicide bereavement. Listed below are a range of support options you may find helpful. You may need to be persistent when finding the service or professional that is most suited to your individual circumstances and needs.
Face-to-face counselling can be an invaluable source of support. Professional counsellors can help you move through the grieving process and work with you towards coming to terms with your loss, assist you in dealing with painful emotions, and put into place coping strategies to help you manage your grief. Counselling can be useful at any stage of the grieving process, from immediately after the death, to much later on when support from family or friends may be less available.
Counselling services are generally accessible through self-referral.
If you think you may benefit from face-to-face counselling, you can find a local service:
Telephone counselling can also be helpful for people bereaved by suicide, as it offers a level of confidentiality and anonymity that can be appealing.
Telephone counselling may also be particularly useful if you are socially or geographically isolated, or find it difficult to access face-to-face services in your area. You may find it reassuring to know that a professional counsellor is just a phone call away. You can call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a professional counsellor who can help you deal with these difficult emotions and help keep you safe.
Other telephone counselling services, that are specifically designed for people bereaved by suicide can be found on our Useful links and support page.
Many people find that attending a support group specifically for people bereaved by suicide is a valuable source of comfort.
These groups are a way for you to communicate with, and gain support from other people who understand the experience of a suicide loss. Meeting with others who are in similar situations can be a way for you to speak honestly about your feelings in an environment that is safe, supportive and non-judgemental.
Support After Suicide is a useful resource containing lists of organisations and support groups around Australia offering help to people bereaved by suicide.
Accessing support online may be an attractive option, as it offers a degree of anonymity and confidentiality.
The Suicide Call Back Service offers an online counselling service for people bereaved by suicide.
If you have lost someone to suicide, and need someone to talk to, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor.If it is an emergency, please call 000.
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