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 provide care calls
• 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.