Lifeline

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, if you are in the Newcastle or Hunter region, call 02 4940 2000 during business hours to make an appointment to see one of our personal counsellors.

There are four support groups for those bereaved by suicide in the Hunter. Below is a list of the groups along with their venues, dates and contact details.

There are also many useful resources available to you online.
One website that we highly recommend is www.suicidefindinghope.com

Newcastle SOS Support Group

The S.O.S. Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month 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
Time: 7pm

This group is proudly supported by Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter.

For further information call 0419 993195 Email: sos_newcastle@hotmail.com
Or call Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter on 02 4940 2000
Email: reception@lifelinehunter.org.au

Dates for 2012:

• Wed 1st February
  
• Wed 7th March
  
• Wed 4th April
  
• Wed 2nd May
  
• Wed 6th June
  
• Wed 4th July
  
• Wed 1st August
  
• Wed 5th September
  
• Wed 3rd October
  
• Wed 7th November
  
• Wed 5th December

Port Stephens SOS Support Group

The SOS Support Group Nelson Bay meets monthly on the third (3rd) Monday of each month

Time: 7pm
Venue: Yacaaba Centre
112 Stockton St Nelson Bay

Contact the Lifeline Bereaved by Suicide Coordinator on 02 4940 2005 for more information

SOS Nelson Bay dates for 2012:

• 20th February
  
• 19th March
  
• 16th April
  
• 21st May
  
• 18th June
  
• 16th July
  
• 20th August
  
• 17th September
  
• 15th October
  
• 19th November
  

Maitland SSG Suicide Support Group

A monthly Support Group for those Bereaved by Suicide in the Maitland Area.

The SSG Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Time: 7pm
Venue: Real Life Church,
Cinema Complex, Ken Tubman Drive Maitland

For more information please phone 0407 001525 or call Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter on 02 49402005.

Maitland SSG dates for 2012

• 27th January
  
• 23rd February
  
• 22nd March
  
• 26thApril
  
• 24th May
  
• 28th June
  
• 26th July
  
• 23rd August
  
• 27th September
  
• 25th October
  
• 22nd November
  
• TBA 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.