Are you bereaved by suicide?

Losing someone to suicide is a traumatic and complex experience. There is no right or wrong way to react to such a loss, and the emotions you may feel will be unique to you and your relationship to the person who has died. There are some very common responses to losing a loved one in this way, including feeling some difficult emotions such as guilt, anger and shame, which can compound the grieving process.

If you are reading this as someone who has been bereaved by suicide, we are so sorry for your loss. It is important for your own wellbeing that you access appropriate bereavement support when you feel ready to, and there are services in place wherever you may live in our region. You may have been offered a referral into one of these ‘postvention’ support services soon after the death of your loved one, or you can contact them yourself at any time for advice and support. Some services can guide you through the practical aspects of dealing with a death by suicide, such as the coroner and inquest process, or making arrangements for a funeral.

You may work in a role where you have encountered a death by suicide, such as a health professional or transport worker, rather than losing someone close to you. This can be very difficult to deal with, especially if you have been involved in the care of the person who has died, or witnessed something traumatic. You can contact any of the support services listed here to talk to someone about it, or access your employer’s staff wellbeing service.

CORONAVIRUS: For specific advice and support for your mental wellbeing and how to keep yourself safe during the coronavirus outbreak, please see our dedicated page for COVID-19 mental health information.