Bereaved by Suicide
"Grief comes in unexpected surges... mysterious cues that set off a reminder of grief. It comes crashing like a wave, sweeping me in its crest, twisting me inside and out... then it recedes." - Tony Talbot
If you are feeling sad, it is always good to talk to someone who cares.
You can call Lifeline any time of the day or night on 13 1114 or ring 4940 2000 during business hours to make an appointment to see one of our personal counsellors.
SOS Support Group
The S.O.S. Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month at 7pm and offers support and networking for those who have had a family member, friend or partner die by suicide.
Venue: Uniting Church Broadmeadow Rd Broadmeadow
This group is proudly supported by Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter.
For further information call 0419993195 Email: sos_newcastle@hotmail.com
Or call Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter on 49402000
Email: reception@lifelinehunter.org.au
Dates for 2010:
- Wednesday 3rd February
- Wednesday 3rd March
- Wednesday 7th April
- Wednesday 5th May
- Wednesday 2nd June
- Wednesday 7th July
- Wednesday 4th August
- Wednesday 1st Sept
- Wednesday 6th October
- Wednesday 3rd November
- Wednesday 1st December
Coping with Suicide Loss
The following thoughts and ideas have been made by other people who have been bereaved by suicide that you might find helpful:
- You may struggle with what to tell other people. Although you should make whatever decision feels right to you, most survivors have found it best to simply acknowledge that their loved one died by suicide
- You may find that it helps to reach out to family and friends. Because some people may not know what to say, you may need to take the initiative to talk about the suicide, share your feelings, and ask for help
- Even though it may seem difficult, maintaining contact with other people is especially important during the stressed filled months after the death
- Keep in mind that each person grieves in his or her own way. Some people visit the cemetery weekly; others find it too painful to go at all
- Each person grieves at his or her own pace; there is no set rhythm or timeline for healing
- Anniversaries, birthdays and holidays may be especially difficult, so you may want to think about whether to continue old traditions or create new ones. You may also experience unexpected waves of sadness; these are a normal part of the grieving process
- Children experience many of the feelings of adult grief and are particularly vulnerable to feeling abandoned and guilty. Reassure them the death was not their fault. Listen to their questions, and try to offer honest, straightforward, age appropriate answers
- You may find comfort in community, religious or spiritual activities, including talking to a trusted member of the clergy
- Be kind to yourself. When you feel ready, begin to go on with life. Eventually starting to enjoy life again is not a betrayal of your loved one (although you may experience feelings of guilt which is normal), but rather a sign that you’ve begun to heal.
