Caring for the Bereaved by Suicide

Lifeline Hunter Central Coast supports those who are bereaved by suicide in a number of ways:
- We facilitate a support group for the family and friends of those who have died by suicide
- We send out information packs
- We offer personal counselling
Walking beside those bereaved by suicide in our community, many have offered some words of wisdom and comfort to those newly bereaved:
- Your journey is your journey –it is very personal
- Take all the time you need, be who you are in your attempt to make sense of this tragedy
- Do not compare your grief to anyone else's; if you are married do not compare it to your spouse's, if you are a parent don't compare it to your children's
- No one can tell you what time frame your grief will last – there isn't one
- No one can tell you how to grieve – there is no rule book
- You have the possibility of developing a greater sense of compassion and empathy – when you come across someone who is having a hard time, you can be empathetic because you are also that person
- Be gentle with yourself –don't expect too much of yourself
- Everyone's grief looks different
- People will tell what you should and shouldn't do i.e. it's time to move on or get over it – these are very hurtful words to hear
- You have to find a new way to live
- Time doesn't heal – it would be great if people were truthful – time doesn't heal but over time the pain does dull
- I felt so alone and couldn't find comfort from my family and friends but being with others who had lost a loved one to suicide was what allowed me to not be alone in my grief
- I have come to a place where I can be thankful for what they gave me and I have survived and can find joy again –something I never thought possible
- Even though my sadness is close to the surface every day, I can both hear other people's stories and share my own
Bereavement Pack
If you, or someone you know, has experienced the death of a loved one to suicide, Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter has an information pack that we can send to you.
Call 02 4940 2000 during business hours to request a pack.
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 11 14.
Newcastle Support Group
The Newcastle Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm-8pm.
Venue: Lifeline Hunter Central Coast
12 Maitland Road Islington NSW 2296
For more information call Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter on 02 4940 2000
Port Stephens Support Group
The Port Stephens Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Group meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7pm - 9pm.
Venue: Tomaree Library
Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay
For more information call Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter on 02 4940 2000
Central Coast Support Group
The Central Coast Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month 7pm-9pm.
Please call to register your interest.
Venue: Lifeline Hunter Central Coast
15 Cary Street Wyoming NSW
For more information call Lifeline
on 02 4320 7400