Losing a friend or family member to suicide can be a life changing event. Some people who have lost a loved one to suicide describe the loss as different to other deaths they have experienced.
The sudden and unexpected nature of the death can leave people with feelings of shock, confusion, anger and guilt. Gaining support in moving through this time and understanding the impact on you is an important step forward.
Provided below are links to information you can read and services you can access to help you through this time.
Learning about the grieving process following a suicide bereavement may assist you to better understand the many and varied emotions you experience during this time such as shock, disbelief or anger. To understand more about the experiences of people who have been bereaved by suicide, click here.
It can be easy to forget about ourselves after losing someone we care about to suicide. However, looking after yourself during a suicide bereavement is a priority. For guidance on how to look after yourself whilst mourning the loss of someone you care about, read further here.
Standby Support after Suicide is a program of support offered across Australia, including Brisbane North, for people bereaved by suicide. Standby offers a range of resources that you may find helpful to read. You can access them here.
If you wish to speak to someone other than a family member or friend, accessing support through a helpline may be a good option.
A list of helplines you can contact is available here.
You may also wish to speak to a GP. A GP can make a diagnosis, discuss suitable treatment options and refer you to a mental health professional if needed. You can search for a General Practice near you by clicking here.
Standby Support after Suicide offers free face to face and 24/7 crisis telephone support, with follow up contact continued for up to two years for anyone impacted by suicide. Call 0438 150 180 in Brisbane North (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
A range of other mental health services that provide one-on-one support are available in the Brisbane North region. For help in finding the service and supports that will best meet your needs, please contact the My Mental Health Service Navigators by calling 1800 752 235. The My Mental Health Service Navigation team can provide support and information on how to access mental health, suicide prevention and alcohol and other drug treatment services in our region.
Please note, this is not a crisis service and operates 8.30 am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you or someone you are with is in immediate, life-threatening danger:
Call Triple Zero (000) or go immediately to your local hospital emergency department.
You can access immediate support by contacting
Brisbane North PHN wishes to acknowledge the experience and expertise of the Brisbane North Suicide Prevention Network, delegates of the Peer Participation in Mental Health Services (PPIMS) network and health professionals in developing the Reasons to Stay campaign.
Brisbane North PHN acknowledges the traditional custodians past and present on whose land we walk, we work and we live.
This activity is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program.
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
