The suicide bereavement experience is unlike other bereavement experiences because the death is often unexpected and traumatic.
Grief affects everyone differently and is often unpredictable in nature.
Intense emotions such as guilt may come up or you may ask yourself ‘why did they take their life?’
It may feel like the pain and sadness will never end. You may feel like no one understands your reactions.
Whatever feelings you are having are normal and your emotional experience will get easier to live with over time.
Click on the signposts below for helpful resources on grief after suicide.
Grief and depression: how are they different?
Why is grief after suicide different?
Understanding the factors associated with suicide
Managing flashbacks
Living with grief: Uncomfortable emotions and feeling like the pain and sadness will never end
Grief reminders and what to do with them
Witnessing a suicide: Anyone who is in involved with a suicide may experience stress and trauma reactions
Honouring anniversaries and other special occasions
Bereavement support lines:
Griefline – 1300 845 745
Support After Suicide – 03 9421 7640
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Crisis services available 24/7:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467