The range of grief reactions and responses to the loss of a loved one to suicide is very broad and may include shock, denial, numbness, shame or physical symptoms such as sleeplessness or loss of appetite. Losing someone close through suicide can be an overwhelming and devastating experience. While...
The death of a loved one who has taken their own life can trigger intense and confusing emotions. Many people feel overwhelmed with a need to know why their loved one chose to end their life, and consumed by a sense of guilt that there was something they could, or...
Suicide is a growing problem, especially in Australia, and in people 15-44 years, it is the leading cause of death. Suicide is now recognised as a major public health concern, challenging us not only in terms of the individual people who take their own life but also in terms of...
Grief following the death of someone close who has taken their own life will differ from one person to another depending on the nature of the individual’s relationship with the person who has died, their previous experiences of suicide, and their age and cultural beliefs. At the same time, there...
What is grief? Grief is something every one of us has to face when we lose something or someone we love. Grief is the way we respond to that loss – the way we feel and react when we realise our future is not going to look the way we...
Suicide can cause significant distress in rural and remote communities. These communities are often small and interconnected which means that suicide can affect everyone. In rural areas that are less close-knit, suicide can cause trauma that is experienced in isolation, and without accessible or trusted support. About suicide in rural...
Refugees and asylum seekers are at an increased suicide risk, and this is particularly so amongst younger men and those confined in mandatory detention. In most instances, refugees and asylum seekers have experienced high levels of loss and grief, stemming from the loss of their homes, being forced to leave...
When a member of the Defence Force or a veteran ends their life, the impact on those around them can be devastating. The close bonds and focus on mutual protection among service personnel can mean that the loss of a colleague who has taken their own life can be particularly...
When a person who identifies as LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual or as other diverse sexualities or gender identities) takes their own life, the impact on their loved ones and the broader LGBTIQA+ community can be both devastating and complex. For the family and friends of the...
When a patient takes their own life, it can be a devastating experience for a health professional, particularly if their professional relationship with the patient has been long and intense. Feelings of shock, grief, sadness, remorse, guilt and anger are common and normal. One of the many challenges for health...
